Management of Animal Bite: A Challenge to Health System – A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and rabies immunoglobulin are given as post-exposure prophylaxis in animal bite cases to prevent the fatal disease of rabies. In most cases, especially category III bite cases, these need to be administered. Here we have reported case of animal bite presented at a rural health center.
Case Description: A 33-year-old female visited a Center for Rural Health AIIMS (CRHA) on July 22, 2023, with a complaint of a dog bite on the right arm and right ring finger 1 day back. Though the patient had washed the site of the bite under running water, she gave a history of applying turmeric paste. There was pain and swelling at the bite site along with a history of bleeding from bite sites.
Management: Post-exposure prophylaxis following intramuscular Essen regimen was prescribed based on the category of bite (category III). Tetanus toxoid 0.5 ml IM was administered. Symptomatic treatment was given for pain and swelling. The patient was referred for human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) as it was not available at CRHA. The patient could receive the first 3 doses of ARV but due to limited availability, she was referred for further doses.
Conclusion: The case report highlights the need for the provision of ARV and HRIG at health centers since the out-of-pocket expenditure is high.

How to cite this article:
Katre R, Singh P, Yadav P, Bhadoria A S, Aggarwal P. Management of Animal Bite: A Challenge to Health System – A Case Report. APCRI J. 2024;26(1):18-21.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0973.5038.202405