Assessment of Emergency Service Attendance Due to Rabies Suspect Animal Bites in the Van Region

Abstract

Aim: Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease transmitted by the bite of an animal. In Turkey, 100,000 individuals are administered prophylaxisannually after contact with animals carrying the risk of rabies. In this study, we investigated compliance with treatment and the affectingfactors.Materials and Methods: The study assessed data from a total of 813 patients with potential animal bites throughout the year 2013.Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 22.6±16.8 years, and 80.6% (n=655) were male. Participants of both sexes mainlyattended in the spring and summer months; however, it was identified that the rate of women attending in winter was higher than men.Also, five doses of vaccination were ordered for nearly all patients, independent of immunoglobulin administration; however, the rate ofpatients completing all five doses remained at about 30%.Conclusion: Increasing awareness of rabies will aid in the control of the significant public health problem of potential bite cases. As theyoung population is at risk, it is necessary to take precautions for the childhood age group.