Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives:Animal bite is considered as a public health problem. Increasing cases of animal bite is of high importance because of causing rabies losses in livestock and economic damages. This study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of animal bite in Qom province.

Methods:This descriptive-retrospective study was done on medical records of subjects with animal bite in Qom province during 2007-2012. The collected data were analyzed using chi-square. The significance level was considered to be p<0.05.

Results: During these 6 years, 7246 cases had been bitten by animals. Bites were significantly higher in men (89.6%) compared to women (p<0.01). The mean age of injured population was 29.6±15.7. The overall incidence rate of animal bite was 109.4 cases per 100000 people. The highest frequencies of bites were in spring season (27.3%) compared to other seasons. Most cases were bitten by dogs (61.7%). In most of the cases, the bitten body sites were hand and leg (93.8%). In 81.5% of cases, vaccination history was in three times. A significant relationship was observed between resident place and species of biting animal (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the incidence of animal bites in Qom province was higher than other provinces. Hence, implementation of basic measures, such as training at-risk groups, establishing a committee for dissipation of stray dogs, strengthening care system, and vaccination program, seem to be necessary.