Incidence Of Animal Bites Research Articles

Estimates of the burden of human rabies deaths and animal bites in India, 2022–23: a community-based cross-sectional survey and probability decision-tree modelling study

Reliable and recent data of human rabies deaths and animal bites are not available in India, where a third of global cases occur. Since there is a global target of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, understanding whether the country is on track is essential. We aimed to estimate the animal-bite burden and the number of human rabies deaths in India. We conducted a community-based nationwide cross-sectional survey with a multistage cluster-sampling design from March 2, 2022 to Aug 26, 2023, covering 60 districts in 15 Indian states. The head of the household or an adult family member was interviewed to collect information about animal-bite history in family members, receipt of anti-rabies vaccination (ARV), and death following animal bite in the family. Annual animal-bite incidence along with 95% CIs were estimated after applying the sampling weights and adjusting for clustering. We estimated annual human rabies deaths using a decision-tree probability model with parameters from the community survey and laboratory data on rabies positivity among suspected rabid dogs. Of the 337 808 individuals residing in the 78 807 households surveyed, 2052 gave a history of animal bite, mostly (1576 [76·8%]) due to dogs in the past 1 year. The weighted and adjusted annual incidence of animal bite was 6·6 (95% CI 5·7-7·6) per 1000 population, translating into 9·1 million bites nationally. Annual dog-bite incidence was 5·6 (4·8-6·6) per 1000. Among people who had been bitten by a dog, 323 (20·5%) did not receive ARV, and 1043 (66·2%) received at least three doses. Nearly half (615 [49·1%]) of the 1253 individuals who received one dose did not complete their full course of vaccination. We estimated 5726 (95% uncertainty interval 3967-7350) human rabies deaths occurring annually in India. Although there was a substantial decline in human rabies deaths over the past two decades, to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030, India needs to fast-track its actions by adopting a focused one-health approach. Integrating human and animal surveillance, ensuring timely administration of full course of post-exposure prophylaxis, and accelerating dog vaccination across the country are crucial steps towards this goal. Indian Council of Medical Research.

Epidemiological Profile and Awareness Regarding Animal Bite Management in an Urban Area.

The most common way for people to contract the deadly zoonotic disease rabies is through animal bites. This study was designed because there is a shortage of community-based data to determine the true extent of rabies infection and a lack of understanding regarding patient misconceptions in urban areas. The objective was to determine the scope of the issue and the epidemiological features of animal bite incidents. This was a facility-based cross-sectional study conducted at the field practice area (Urban Health Training Centre) under the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College. The study duration was one year (May 2023 to April 2024). Consecutive patients (accompanied by an attendant) attending the Urban Health Training Centre were included in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used, and around 400 animal bite cases were recorded in one year at the Urban Health Training Centre. Out of 1503 male cases at the Urban Health Training Centre, around 255 were dog bite cases (50.6%), whereas out of 1302 females visiting the Urban Health Training Centre, around 145 were dog bite cases (48%). The majority (35%) belonged to the age group of 11 to 20 years for both males and females. The mean age of the cases was 19.4 ± 3.4 years. The study found a male preponderance (64%), with females constituting 36%. The right lower limb (49.5%), left lower limb (39%), and upper limb were the most frequently bitten sites. Fifty-one percent of the cases fell into Category II. According to local data, the most popular home management practices were ghee oil and cold treatments. Although Category III is the most severe bite, only 35% had taken the anti-rabies vaccine (ARV), and 8.75% had received rabies immunoglobulin. The public and medical community need to be made aware of the importance of wound care and the prudent use of the anti-rabies vaccine.

Incidence of animal bite and risk for rabies in Kaduna State, Nigeria – public health implication

This study focused on the incidence of animal bite (n=50) reported in Kaduna State, Nigeria, between January and April 2024, focusing on factors such as the type of biting animal, sex of the victims, geographical distribution, temporal trends, and the nature of the bites. The data were sourced from weekly reports submitted by Area Veterinary Officers to the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Services and were supplemented with rabies test results from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State. Results revealed that dogs were responsible for 96% of the biting incidents, while cats accounted for 4%. Male victims were more frequently bitten, and the highest incidence was reported in Kaduna Central (Zone 2) with 44% and Zaria being the lowest (12%). Most incidents occurred in February (38%) and March (34%). Provoked bites constituted 52% of the cases, and 86% of the dogs involved were not vaccinated against rabies. Rabies test results showed that 94% were negative, while 6% tested positive, all of which were reported in Kaduna South (Zone 3). A significant association (p=0.034) between senatorial zones and rabies test results was observed, indicating a need for targeted public health interventions in specific zones. The study underscores the need for improving vaccination coverage and implementing educational campaigns to mitigate risk of rabies and reduce the incidence of animal bites. Enhanced public health strategies, community engagement and one health approach should be implemented to address the multifaceted challenges posed by dog bites and rabies in Kaduna State.

Trends in Animal Bites and Rabies-related Deaths in Northern Iran: Implications for Public Health Interventions.

Rabies remains a public health problem in middle-income countries like Iran, despite being preventable. This study aimed to evaluate the six-year incidence of animal bites in the southern Caspian Sea region from 2016 to 2022, and focus on estimating the direct costs of animal bite cases using the incidence-based method. A multicenter, registry-based study was conducted using surveillance data of animal bites. Of the 40922 cases reported during the study period, 65.9% were male and 34.1% were female. Animal bites were most frequent among individuals over 50 years of age (23.5%), while children under 10 years of age had the lowest frequency of animal bites (2.3%). Animal bites were most common in June. Dogs were responsible for 33277 (81%) cases, cats for 5,624 (13.7%) cases, cows for 1054 (2.5%) cases, and other animals for the remaining cases. During the six-year study period, four deaths due to rabies were reported in the study area. The annual bite incidence rate was 386.3 per 100000 people in northern Iran. The males-to-female ratio was highest in 2019 (M/F ratio=2.4, 95% CI=1.2‒3.4). The elderly are at higher risk of animal bites, especially in rural areas. It is important to emphasize the use of protective clothing, washing wounds with soap water and rabies vaccination as initial treatment. Targeted vaccination efforts for eligible animals should be prioritized to minimize unnecessary financial burden. Educating farmers about rabies prevention programs, especially in cases of cow bites, is also important.

Management Strategies for Common Animal Bites in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review on the Latest Progress.

Animal bites are a common reason for children to visit primary care and emergency departments. Dog bites are the most prevalent, followed by cat bites at 20-30%. Other animals such as bats, monkeys, snakes, and rats collectively contribute less than 1% of cases. Hospitalization is necessary in only 4% of animal bite incidents. The main aim of this narrative review is to summarize the main protocols currently followed in pediatrics in cases involving the most common bites from different animal species. Analysis of the literature showed that the management of common animal bites in children presents a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment modalities associated with each specific species. Effective wound management is paramount in reducing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes. Additionally, tetanus vaccination status should be assessed and updated as necessary, and prophylactic antibiotics may be indicated in certain cases to prevent secondary infections. Furthermore, the role of rabies prophylaxis cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where rabies is endemic or following bites from high-risk animals. In addition to medical management, psychosocial support for both the child and their caregivers is integral to the overall care continuum. Future studies exploring the efficacy of novel treatment modalities, such as topical antimicrobial agents or advanced wound dressings, may offer new insights into optimizing wound healing and reducing the risk of complications.

Epidemiological profile of animal bite victims attending anti-rabies clinic in a tertiary care hospital in eastern Rajasthan: An observational study

Abstract Background: India has been classified by the World Health Organization as an endemic country with the highest incidence of rabies-related deaths globally. Therefore, any instance of a dog or wild animal bite is considered a potential exposure to rabies. The National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination emphasizes the importance of formulating state and district-level action plans tailored to local circumstances and evidence. A cross-sectional study analyzed the epidemiological traits of animal bites reported at the anti-rabies clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted at Sawai Man Singh Medical Hospital in Jaipur, India, from September to October 2022. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic and epidemiological features of animal bites from a sample of 328 victims. Descriptive statistics and a spatial map were employed to analyze the results. Results: Among animal bite victims, 73% were males, and 35% fell within the age group of 5–18 years. The majority of cases, accounting for 92%, were categorized as category III exposure, with 61% of the victims being bitten on their lower limbs. Dogs were responsible for 76% of the bites, while monkeys accounted for 21%. Approximately 74% of dog bites were inflicted by stray dogs, and 82% of these incidents were unprovoked. Conclusion: The study highlights a higher prevalence of category III exposure and monkey bites compared to previous research, along with subpar adherence to prior immunizations. Most animal bite incidents were observed in public areas, particularly on streets and tourist destinations. These findings emphasize the importance of customizing district and state action plans to the specific context in Rajasthan to combat rabies effectively.

Spatial analysis of animal bites in Iran (2015-2020): A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the distribution pattern of animal bites in Mirjaveh, Iran from 2015 to 2020. Methods: The data on animal bites were collected from the Department of Infectious Diseases, the provincial health center. Monthly climatic data on precipitation and temperature during the study period were also collected. The correlation between incidence and temperature, precipitation rate, land type, and altitude was also analyzed. Results: The results showed that men were more affected by animal bites than women (76.4%, P<0.001), and the highest incidence rate occurred in the age group of 5-19 years. The incidence rate of animal bites was found to be correlated with temperature and altitude. An increase in temperature was associated with a rise in the incidence rate of animal bites. The number of animal bites increased until 2019, possibly due to an increase in the number of dogs in the area. Conclusions: Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the incidence of animal bites, particularly among children, housewives, and students. Improving access to appropriate treatments, increasing public awareness of the hazards of animal bites, and increasing the number of vaccinated dogs in the area are essential strategies to be considered.

Epidemiological characteristics and surveillance of animal bite injuries, in Kerman city, Iran.

Animal bites are a major threat to human health. The present study was designed to determine the incidence and epidemiological factors and to investigate the process of referral and treatment of animal bite cases in Kerman city. This was a cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study. All the cases of animal bites that were referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers under the coverage of Kerman health center during 2019 and 2021 were investigated. The data were collected from the health center of Kerman city in Excel form that was registered in the portal of the Ministry of Health. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used in SPSS24 software to analyze the data. In this study, 5407 people (4076 men and 1331 women) were bitten by animals. The average incidence of animal bites was 313 per hundred thousand people. The mean ± SD age of the injured was 31.38 ± 17.72 years. 73.2% of cases of attacking animals were dogs, and half of those dogs had owners. 58.6% of cases were injured in the hand, and 94.2% referred to rabies treatment and prevention centers in the first 48 h after the bite. No cases of animal-bitten deaths were reported during this period. Between gender (P = 0.006), age (P = 0.013), place of residence (P = 0.003), occupation (P < 0.000), history of previous bites and vaccinations (P = 0.001), and injured limb (P < 0.000) and not going to receive the next round of vaccinations, there was a statistically significant correlation. Animal bites are a major health problem in Kerman, and due to creating health problems and economic losses, it is necessary to take serious action to control and prevent this health threat.

Sociodemographic Profile of Animal Bite Cases Attending at a Tertiary Care Center, Rewa (M.P.)

Abstract Objective: The study’s objectives were to learn about the sociodemographic profile of animal bite cases in Madhya Pradesh’s Vindhya region while attending the Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) at Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa (M. P.). Materials and Methods: Between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2018, this study was conducted in the Medicine OPD, Department of Medicine, at Shyam Shah Medical College in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 1440 cases of animal bites were included in the sample, and for each patient, a sociodemographic profile was obtained along with a comprehensive history of the animal’s category and type, bite type and site, duration of exposure, and category of exposure. Results: The majority of the 1440 animal bite cases were bitten by dogs 1198 (76.94%). There are 763 (52.98%) Category II bites, 605 (42.01%) Category III bites, and 72 (5%) Category I bite. Lower limbs were bitten 914 (63.47%), upper limbs 389 (27.01%), head and neck 67 (4.65%), and trunk 70 (4.86%). Conclusion: This study found that rural areas have a high number of dog bite cases, and adult males have a higher incidence of animal bites than adult females. The most common biting animal is the dog, and the most common site of bite in adults is the lower limbs.

Epidemiological characteristics and trends of animal bites in Neyshabur, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the trend of animal bites between 2015-2021 in Neyshabur, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, data were retrieved from the vice-chancellery of the Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences. The data included person variables, place and time variables, and animal variables. Results: There were 13190 cases of animal bites and the trend was increasing during 2015-2020. Most injuries were caused by dogs (86%), most animal bites (76.6%) occurred in males, and 28.1% of all cases were farmers. The most common bitten parts were the lower limbs (64.8%), often reported as a scratch (83.4%). Most of the biting animals (67.9%) were not strays, and 83.3% of them had bitten their owners. No rabies death was reported during the study period. Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites increases and is higher than the national statistics in Neyshabur, Iran. Serious attention and intervention should be given to control and prevent this health threat.

Epidemiological study of animal bite cases attending a tertiary care hospital in Tripura: North-East India

Background: This research article presents an epidemiological study in Tripura, North-east India, investigating animal bite cases at a tertiary care hospital. Animal bites pose significant public health concerns, including potential zoonotic disease transmission. The study aims to assess animal bite incidence, envenoming, and treatment-seeking behaviours among victims. Data from individuals over one year old will reveal the burden of animal bites on healthcare facilities, guiding effective prevention and management strategies for this pressing health issue. Methods: A cross-sectional study at AGMC and GBP Hospital, Tripura, assessed animal bite patterns referred to the ARV centre (2018–2021). Included animal-related bites and excluded incomplete data. Collected age, gender, socio-economic status, biting animal, and bite category. Staff ensured nationwide surveillance. Categorised subjects by age. Results: The cross-sectional study investigated animal bite patterns at AGMC and GBP Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, from 2018 to 2021. Analysis revealed male adults (20-39 years, 41.7%) were most affected, predominantly by dogs (57.58%). The APL category showed the highest frequency (70.79%). Missing category bites decreased, while third category bites increased over time. The winter months had higher frequencies of animal bites. Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are vital for effective prevention. Conclusions: This study highlights male adults (20–39 years old) as being most affected, predominantly by dog bites. The APL category showed higher susceptibility. Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are crucial for effective prevention.

Epidemiology of animal bite injuries in North of Fars province in Iran

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological situation of animal bites in Rostam city of Fars province. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020 were analyzed using the census method. The tool for collecting information was the portal of the Ministry of Health and the registration offices of people who were referred to the rabies center. Results: A total of 628 cases of animal bites registered in health centers of Rostam city of Fars province from the beginning of 2014 to 2020. The mean age of the injured was (31.3 ± 20.2) years. Of the total injured cases, 414 (65.9%) were male, and 491 (78.2%) lived in villages. Most of the cases were bitten by dogs (n=420, 66.8%) and the upper limb was involved in 280 (55.2%) cases. In addition, an increasing trend was observed in the incidence of animal bites from 2015 to 2020. Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites in Rostam City is high, and most of the cases occur in rural areas. Considering the injuries caused by animal bites, the risk of rabies transmission, and the high costs of vaccination and serum therapy, it is necessary to hold control, educational, and vaccination programs.

Incidence rate of animal bites in southern Iran during 2015-2019 using Cochrane-Armitage trend test

Objective: To investigate the trend of animal bites in southern Iran from 2015 to 2019.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of patients with animal bites who were referred to the Center for Disease Control in the three cities of Larestan, Evaz, and Khonj in Fars province, southern Iran from 2015 to 2019. The trend of animal bites incidence was analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage trend test.Results: In total, from 2015 to 2019, 1 944 cases of animal bites were reported. A total of 79.8% of the cases were men. The overall average incidence of animal bites was 142.93 per 100 000 people. The incidence of animal bites was significantly increased (Ptrend<0.001). The highest incidence was in November (79.04 per 100 000 people) followed by January (76.1 per 100 000 people) and February (69.48 per 100 000 people); also, the lowest incidence was in August (47.42 per 100 000 people) and July (50.0 per 100 000 people).Conclusions: The incidence of animal bites has significantly increased. Given the importance of rabies, control and management of animal bites should be emphasized and considered.

A Study on Clinico-Social Profile of Animal Bite Cases Attending an Anti-Rabies Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Odisha - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Human rabies continues to be endemic in India and according to a recent estimate 20,000 people die of this disease every year. However at the same time, it is also 100% preventable through timely and proper post exposure prophylaxis. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to assess the socio-clinical profiles of animal bite cases attending the anti-rabies clinic of a tertiary care hospital of Odisha, to find out the association of socio-clinical factors with Category III bite cases and to study the first aid practices of such patients. Methodology: A hospital based cross section study was conducted at an anti-rabies clinic of S.C.B. Medical College &amp; Hospital, Odisha between the months of January and March 2018. New animal bite cases that gave the consent to participate were included in the study. 20% of the new eligible cases i.e., 1200 were taken by using consecutive sampling of 15 patients per day. A pretested and predesigned questionnaire was used to collect the data. Analysis was done in SPSS. Results: In this study Males (70%). are predominantly affected. About 26% cases were children &lt;15 yrs. Dog bite was seen in 80% cases. Lower limb (60%) was the most commonly the bitten site. A majority had category III (76%) exposure. About 75% bites were unprovoked bites. Most of the cases (55%) came from the rural area. 43% cases applied bitter gourd and turmeric paste on their wounds. Conclusion: From this study, we observed that males have a higher incidence of animal bite than females and most of the cases were &gt;15 years age. The most common animal biting people is a dog. A majority had category III exposure.

A Case of Pasteurella multocida Pneumonia, Bacteremia, and Septic Shock

Pasteurella multocida is a ubiquitous organism found in the oropharynx of healthy domestic animals, especially dogs and cats. It is most known as an animal pathogen, and rarely a cause of zoonotic disease, such as after animal bite incidents. In atraumatic infections, Pasteurella has been associated with patients in an immunocompromised state, such as those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, patients with known cirrhosis, or those with preexisting cavitary pulmonary lesions. It is rare to isolate Pasteurella in an immunocompetent patient without known trauma. Here, we present a case of Pasteurella multocida pneumonia, bacteremia, and septic shock in an individual without a history of an animal bite, with a review of relevant literature.

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about rabies among the people in the community, healthcare professionals and veterinary practitioners in Bangladesh

It is crucial to explore knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) about rabies among the people in the community, the personnel dealing with animal bite management and suspected rabies patients, including humans and animals, to facilitate intervention in improving rabies elimination strategies. In 2016, we conducted an interactive face-to-face survey in three different districts of Bangladesh to understand the extent of KAP towards rabies in the community peoples (CPs), human healthcare professionals (HCPs) and veterinary practitioners (VPs). A set of prescribed questions was employed to measure what proportion of each group possessed sufficient knowledge, positive attitudes and adequate perceptions about rabies. A total of 1133 CPs, 211 HCPs and 168 VPs were interviewed by using a standard questionnaire comprising both closed and open-ended questions. Of the CPs, 49% identified the disease correctly (i.e. rabies is caused by an animal bite or a scratch). Only 29% of the CPs were aware that a wound should be washed immediately with soap and water after an animal bite or a scratch. However, only 49% of the CPs, 65% of the HCPs and 60% of the VPs felt that it is important to consult a physician and receive post-exposure vaccine as the first line of treatment following an animal exposure. Among the HCPs, 23% of the respondents did not possess sufficient knowledge about animal bites as categorised by the World Health Organization (WHO), and 12% of the respondents did not possess the knowledge on how to manage an animal bite properly. Out of 52% of the VPs who previously treated suspected rabid animals, only 29% had a history of taking rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Lack of formal education and rural subsistence were found to largely contribute to poor rabies KAP level among the CPs (P ≤ 0.01). There has been a high demand for proper training to be provided to HCPs and VPs for the effective management of an animal bite incidence in human and animals, respectively. Multi-sectoral collaboration through integrated One Health initiatives including community education, awareness programmes, facilitation of rabies PEP, and dog vaccination as well as its population control are critical in the way forward to control rabies in Bangladesh.

Trend and epidemiological patterns of animal bites in Golestan province (Northern Iran) between 2017 and 2020.

Rabies is one of the oldest zoonosis viral diseases, which still remains as one of the most important threats to public health in the 21st century. This cross-sectional study examined epidemiologic features of all 33,996 cases of persons bitten by animals and referred to the rabies prophylaxis centers in Golestan province between March 2017 and March 2020. Factors included demographic information of the victim (age, gender, and occupation), type of invasive animals (dog, cat, and other types), time of bite (year, month, and hour), place of residence (urban or rural), and injury and treatment statuses. We also obtained national and provincial animal bite incidence data for all of Iran and for Golestan province for the longer interval 2013-2020 to examine broader time trends. We used SPSS version 19, QGIS version 3.1, and Excel 2013 to generate frequency distributions and descriptive statistics. The incidence rates of animal bites in Golestan province and Iran as a whole both increased smoothly. The latest incidence rate of animal bites in Golestan was 652 per 100,000 people, almost three times the overall national figure for 2020. Most cases of animal bites (67.6%) occurred in rural areas, and 36% of the victims aged under 19 years old. Dog and cat bites accounted for the great majority of cases (89% and 8%, respectively). The highest rate of animal bites was reported in the spring (30.8%). The lower limb was the most commonly bitten area in these individuals (64.6%). Of note, 87% of the cases received incomplete prophylactic post-exposure treatment, and 18% received immunoglobulin. The increasing rates of animal bites in the study area as well as the higher rate compared to the national average indicates the need for further review of animal bite control programs.

Trends and spatial distribution of animal bites and vaccination status among victims and the animal population, Uganda: A veterinary surveillance system analysis, 2013-2017.

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable fatal zoonotic disease. Uganda, through the veterinary surveillance system at National Animal Disease Diagnostics and Epidemiology Centre (NADDEC), captures animal bites (a proxy for rabies) on a monthly basis from districts. We established trends of incidence of animal bites and corresponding post-exposure prophylactic anti-rabies vaccination in humans (PEP), associated mortality rates in humans, spatial distribution of animal bites, and pets vaccinated during 2013-2017. We reviewed rabies surveillance data at NADDEC from 2013-2017. The surveillance system captures persons reporting bites by a suspected rabid dog/cat/wild animal, human deaths due to suspected rabies, humans vaccinated against rabies, and pets vaccinated. Number of total pets was obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. We computed incidence of animal bites and corresponding PEP in humans, and analyzed overall trends, 2013-2017. We also examined human mortality rates and spatial distribution of animal bites/rabies and pets vaccinated against rabies. We identified 8,240 persons reporting animal bites in Uganda during 2013-2017; overall incidence of 25 bites/ 100,000population. The incidence significantly decreased from 9.2/100,000 in 2013 to 1.3/100,000 in 2017 (OR = 0.62, p = 0.0046). Of the 8,240 persons with animal bites, 6,799 (82.5%) received PEP, decreasing from 94% in 2013 to 71% in 2017 (OR = 0.65, p<0.001). Among 1441 victims, who reportedly never received PEP, 156 (11%) died. Western region had a higher incidence of animal bites (37/100,000) compared to other regions. Only 5.6% (124,555/2,240,000) of all pets in Uganda were vaccinated. There was a decline in the reporting rate (percentage of annual district veterinary surveillance reports submitted monthly to Commissioner Animal Health by districts) of animal bites. While reported animal bites by districts decreased in Uganda, so did PEP among humans. Very few pets received anti-rabies vaccine. Evaluation of barriers to complete reporting may facilitate interventions to enhance surveillance quality. We recommended improved vaccination of pets against rabies, and immediate administration of exposed humans with PEP.

Epidemiological Patterns of Animal Bites in the Najafabad, Center of Iran (2012-2017).

Background:Animal bite due to the risk of rabies is a major public health problem. Rabies is of great importance because of fatalities and economic damage.Objective:This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological patterns of animal bite in Najaf Abad during the years of 2012 to 2017.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study. All records (4,104) were registered in the registration offices of animal bites during the years of 2012 to 2017 at the rabies treatment centres of Najafabad by census method. Demographic characteristics, animal type and sometime clinical patterns of the wounded were examined.Results:The mean age of the injured was 31.28 ± 15.28 years. Of the 4,104 injured, 3648 (88%) were male and the rest of them were women. In terms of residential area, 3645 people (88%) were in urban areas and the rest were in rural areas in the place of occurrence of bites. Most cases of animal biting occurred in dogs (70.9%) and then cat (24.3%). The most affected part was 51% with shoulder and hand. In this study, the incidence of animal bites is estimated as 100,000 people per year in Najaf Abad in in 2012 it was 206.4, with an increasing trend to 212.9 in 2019 (P < 0.001).Conclusion:The results of the study showed that most cases of animal bites were related to dogs, urban areas and male sex variables. The incidence of animal bites was also increasing. Due to the importance of this disease and its financial losses, it is recommended that prevention methods should be used to control stray dogs, vaccination of domesticated dogs and to raise awareness of the people.

A cross-sectional study of awareness and practices regarding animal bites in rural community, North India.

Introduction:Repeated epidemiological studies to monitor trends of knowledge and practices are needed to guide strategies to control rabies. We conducted a study to assess the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to animal bites in the rural area of north India.Methods:House to house survey to collect data on animal bites was conducted among 300 households (assuming awareness regarding animal bites to be 25%, precision 95%, and power of 80%) from the rural area of Punjab, north India. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire comprising of items that explored sociodemographic details (age, educational qualification, occupation, socioeconomic status (assessed through Udai Pareek scale), and awareness regarding rabies, knowledge about first aid, attitude, and practices regarding anti-rabies vaccination (ARV) was used. Detailed questions were asked to those who owned pets.Results:A total of 300 households were included in the analysis. Among all respondents, 30.4% (117) had an episode of animal bite in their family giving a bite incidence rate of 78/1000 population. Bites were more frequent in males (65.8%, n = 77). The commonest site of the bite was lower limb (65%) followed by upper limb (21.4%), and head and neck (5.1%). The participants said that bites by pet animals (47%) are more common than those by stray animals (35.9%), followed by wild animals (12.8%). Almost 91% of respondents told that they would prefer govt. hospital for the treatment. Class I bite was most common (88.9%) followed by class II (8.5%) and class III (1.7%). A lot of respondents (41.4%) did not know about the symptoms of rabies in humans. Only 17.5% knew the appropriate wound care. Inappropriate practices like applying chilly (48.8%), lime (13.1%), tying the limb above the wound (5.1%), and others were common. Only 15.5% washed their wound with soap and water. Most of those who were bitten received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (80%). Most of the respondents (98.3%) had heard about ARV but didn’t know about the site of injection. Almost everyone (99.35) said that no awareness camps/programs had been conducted in their villages/school/health center to date.Conclusion:There is a high incidence of animal bites in rural areas. Awareness regarding the need for rabies vaccine of animals and PEP after an animal bite is quite high and is practiced. However, there is a lack of awareness regarding the course of action to be followed when an animal does develop rabies. Traditional and inappropriate practices of wound management persist and need to be countered. Improving the availability of ARV and rabies immunoglobulin through the public health system may further augment the uptake of PEP and completion of treatment while at the same time reducing out of pocket expenditure and the overall economic cost of rabies. Solid waste management in rural areas along with oral ARV is likely to reduce the incidence of rabies in rural areas.