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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Rabies is the oldest zoonotic disease known to mankind. Most of the human cases reported worldwide are due to dog bite, although few cases may be transmitted by non-bite exposures. Theoretically high-risk exposures include direct contact of broken skin or mucosa with saliva, tears, oropharyngeal secretions and CSF. Hereby we narrate our risk assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HCWs at our hospital after a case of rabies was detected. We incorporated our assessment program in the following form: (1) identification of potentially exposed HCWs and laboratory staff, (2) risk analysis by the Hospital infection control committee by using a questionnaire (3) Based on the type of exposure, PEP was recommended to few HCW’s and lab staff. 63 persons in total came in contact with the rabies patient, of which 36 were HCW’s and 27 were Laboratory staff. All 63 underwent risk assessment, but PEP was recommended for 28/63, who were considered as high risk exposures. After confirming that it is a case of rabies, an integrated attempt was put up by our infection control staff, which culminated in a prompt risk analysis of all those who were potentially exposed. The HCW’s were counselled regarding the use of standard precautions while handling the patients and their samples and also to use adequate PPE during performing all the procedures.