Audit of post-exposure treatment to prevent lyssavirus infection in Sydney South West Area Health Service, 2005–2007

Adam T. Craig; Trish F. Mannes; Leena Gupta

doi:10.1071/NB07124

RESEARCH ARTICLE

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Audit of post-exposure treatment to prevent lyssavirus infection in Sydney South West Area Health Service, 2005–2007

Adam T. Craig ^A ^C , Trish F. Mannes ^B and Leena Gupta ^B

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A NSW Public Health Officer Training Program, NSW Department of Health

^B Public Health Unit, Sydney South West Area Health Service

^C Corresponding author. Email: adam.craig@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

NSW Public Health Bulletin 20(6) 86-89 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB07124
Published: 24 June 2009

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the profile of people who received post-exposure treatment to prevent lyssavirus infection in Sydney South West Area Health Service between 2005 and 2007 and to assess treatment compliance with the current NSW Health protocol. Methods: Thirty-eight public health files and a subset of 11 medical records were reviewed to collect demographic, exposure and treatment information for the period. Results: Twenty-nine (76%) potential Lyssavirus exposures occurred overseas. Nine potential exposures occurred within Australia; eight of these resulted from a bat bite or scratch. Thirteen (34%) of all potential exposures resulted from handling an animal. Conclusion: Many potential exposures were the result of a bite or scratch from a domesticated animal; the animal’s survival or health status was not routinely recorded. While all people who commenced post-exposure treatment completed the prescribed course, this was often not within the stipulated timeframe.

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