Analysis on characteristics of rabies exposure and post exposure treatment of community people in Zhejiang province

Objective To analyze the characteristics of rabies exposure and post exposure treatment of the people in community in Zhejiang and provide scientific evidence for rabies control and prevention. Methods By stratified clustering sampling, 2 townships (streets) were selected randomly in each of 4 counties (Cixi, Linhai, Tonglu and Jiangshan), and 2 villages were selected randomly in each townships (streets) to conduct household survey. The database was established by using EpiData 3.0 and analyzed by using SPSS 16.0. Results The annual average exposure rate was 1.59% (122/7674). Among 122 people exposed, 107 (87.70％) sought medical care, 115 (94.26%) received timely wound treatment and 104 (85.25% ) were fully vaccinated. The exposure rate in July was highest. Among the 18 people receiving no vaccination, 13 (72.22%) thought it was unnecessary, 5 (27.78%) could not afford for the vaccination. Among 42 people with III degree exposure, 14 (33.33 %) received antiserum or immunoglobulin injection. Conclusion The rabies exposure rate varied by areas in Zhejiang province, and some people exposed didn't received timely wound treatment and vaccination. It is necessary to take corresponding measures to prevent and control rabies according to risk factors of exposure and reasons for no medical care seeking.