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.