A study of Epidemiology of Rabies at Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad

Human rabies despite advances in medical sciences still remains practically a cent percent fatal disease.

We reviewed the surveillance data of Rabies cases over a period of 5 years (Jan 2000 – Dec 2004) and also cross sectional study was carried during the period from 1^st January 2005 to 31^st December 2005 at Government Medical College Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra to study the factors associated with rabies and also the traditional customs, misbelieves and indigenous treatments associated with rabies.

Total 153 cases were noted during the study period out of which 31 cases were found during cross sectional study. The most vulnerable age group for rabies cases was 15–45 years (38.56%), 48.38% received indigenous treatment and 41.93% took some form of wound treatment.

Implementation of effective canine rabies control activities by use of anti – rabies vaccine for animals, effective control of stray dog population and complete vaccination schedule in case of animal bite are necessary.