Socio-clinical profile of animal bite cases with re-exposure attending anti-rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital of southern Odisha: a cross-sectional study

Background: Rabies is a zoonotic disease which is 100% fatal. Re-exposure to animal bites carries the same risk if not treated properly. Hence studying the socio-clinical profile of re-exposure cases is crucial to raise awareness and prevent further risk. Objectives were to study the socio-clinical profile of re-exposure cases of animal bite, to find out the pattern and to determine the factors associated with frequent re-exposures. Methods: It was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted over a period of three months from May to July of 2022. Animal bite patients attending ARC of MKCG MCH, Berhampur, Odisha with documentation of previous animal bite exposures within 5 years were included in the study. Data was collected by a pre-designed pre-tested questionnaire through kobo toolbox and analysed by SPSS v 17. Results: A total of 81 animal bite cases with re-exposure were selected purposively during the study period. Among them 59.3% were males and 74% were from urban areas. Around 36% were re-exposed repeatedly within 5 years (more than one re-exposure). Association of frequent re-exposures with gender, provocation history and type of animal was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Provoked animal bite cases were at 4.7 times more risk to develop frequent re-exposures than unprovoked cases. Conclusions: Reduction in incidence of paediatric animal bites requires educating both children and parents about animal bite exposure. However, education alone is unlikely to prevent animal bites. Environmental and policy measures such as breeding pets for temperament and appropriate socialization are also necessary.