Exposure to a risk of rabies infection at the prevention unit of the infectious and tropical diseases department of Fann CHNU in Dakar: Characteristics and therapeutic management

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation at the management of the rabies risk in the vaccination unit at the Infectious Diseases Center of the CHNU of Fann in Dakar

We describe epidemiological and case management characteristics of rabies exposure.

Design: This is a retrospective descriptive study records of all patients followed at the Infectious Disease Center following rabies exposure from February 2009 to September 2014.

 Results: During this period, 152 patients consulted following exposure to rabies risk, mainly as a result of a dog bite (133cases / 152). No biting animal was observed. The majority (90%) came from Dakar. The median age was 22 years [1 - 90 years] and men were the most affected with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.8. Class II injuries were the most frequent (100 cases). Almost two-thirds of the exposed persons were carried for within 48 hours. Almost patients received Zagreb, but about 41% had abandoned post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) during follow-up.

Conclusion: As an essential component of rabies control, post-exposure management needs to be improved through awareness-raising and collaboration with veterinary center.