An epidemiologic study of animal bites in Ilam Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND In Iran, the number of stray dogs in cities and villages necessitates epidemiologic investigations. This study has undertaken an epidemiologic survey in Ilam, Iran with regard to animal bites during 1999-2009. METHODS This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data due to animal bites was collected from patients and analyzed. RESULTS The number of animal bites reported was 4420, which included 3032 men (68.3%) and 398 women (31.7%). Most animal bites were reported in the 10-19 year-old (1172, 26%) age group. The feet were the most commonly attacked body part, which was reported in 3177 cases (71.8%). Most bites were from dogs (3942 cases, 89.15%). Of cases, 3419 (77.3%) resided in rural areas while 1001 (22.7%) were urban residents. The number of patients with incomplete vaccinations was 3596 (81.3%) compared to 824 (18.7%) completely vaccinated patients. CONCLUSION The present study showed a high incidence of animal bites in Ilam, which necessitates the importance of rabies prevention and control. It is recommended that the sanitation authorities provide for and implement measures to determine beneficial ways to avoid and control rabies infection in this part of Iran.