Study of rabies knowledge and prevention measures

Rabies is a viral zoonosis. Once clinical symptoms appear, death is imminent. Hence the need for a reassessment of the knowledge of nurses and the victim population concerning what to do, which can influence a well-defined care pathway.Our survey included 80 nurses. The sex ratio was 0.6. 80% of staff had not taken part in any training concerning the national rabies control program. In addition, (32%) of nurses did not have a rabies protocol poster in their hospital. The majority of staff (66%) were unaware of the importance of patient education. Our study included 75 animal bite victims. 73% of the victim population believed that rabies is a fatal disease. The possibility of catching rabies through contact with an object licked by a rabid animal was noted (61%).Nurses play a vital role in the management of rabies. The victim population is also the second most important partner in the fight against rabies. Fighting rabies requires collective and individual awareness, and effective multi-sectoral collaboration.