Assessment of Rabies Prophylaxis Cases in an Emergency Service

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics, exposure features, and prophylactic care aspects of cases that presented to the emergency department of 1 state hospital in Turkey between 2013 and 2017 because of the risk of rabies contact.

Data from the retrospective cohort study were obtained from ED records of Erzurum Palandöken State Hospital between August 2013 and June 2017 regarding patients presenting to emergency service after the risk of rabies contact. Evaluation forms included demographic characteristics of the patients, contact type, contacted animal, exposure features, and the status of prophylaxis. Descriptive analysis, with frequency and percentage, was used.

A total of 691 records were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 29.2 years (SD = 0.65). Of those, 547 (79%) were male, and 144 (21%) were female. Regarding location, 506 (73%) of the 691 cases were from urban areas, and 185 (27%) from rural settings. Of the cases, 515 (74%) were bite injuries, 159 (23%) were scratches, and 22 (3%) were contact. Of the contacted animals, 483 (70%) were dogs, 171 (25%) were cats, 11 (2%) were foxes, 14 (2%) were horses, 2 (< 1%) were sheep, and 10 (1%) were cattle. A total of 16 animals were vaccinated, however the vaccination status of 675 cases were not known by the patients.

It would be beneficial to increase the number of studies regarding animal control, make correct and complete mandatory reporting, properly maintain the risky contact record, and create better pet vaccination cards in Turkey. The training deficiencies of related personnel at risk for contact with rabies are a major public health problem.