A Clinical Analysis of Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis After Animal Bite Cases in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces

Most animal bites were from dogs and cats, with hands and fingers being the most common sites in the Korean Armed Forces. Hence, this study postulates that bites occur mainly during hand contact with animals, necessitating precaution. Considering the time gap between the animal bite and the hospital visits and the high proportion of patients receiving inadequate management, it is necessary to more robustly engage the military command system in preparation and response training and expectations. Strengthening awareness among commanders and soldiers regarding the clinical severity and potential risk of rabies should be done, and practical strategies such as routine surveillance, risk assessment of rabies, and secure herd immunity in wildlife by spraying baits and mandatory vaccination should be done. Instituting periodic training and competency assessment of military medical personnel, especially in emergency departments where frequent rotations occur, and ensuring uninterrupted availability and proper management of rabies vaccines and human rabies immunoglobulin in all military healthcare facilities can also be helpful. Thus, practical efforts and awareness improvement are needed to provide an appropriate PEP that meets the relevant criteria and minimizes the misuse of medical resources.