Epidemiological survey of animal bites in Kalaleh district, North of Iran (2003-05)

Animal biting is a very important threat for human health, due to the post-infections, such as rabies, which would be fatal. This Study was carried out to determine the epidemiological aspects of animal bites in Kalaleh district, North of Iran. In this descriptive and cross sectional study, all cases with animal biting during 2003-05 which were reffred to Kalaleh, Maraveh- tappeh therapy centers in Golestan province North of Iran were considered as sujects of this epidemiological survey. From the totally 3496 biting, during 3 years, 2477 cases (70.9%) were male and 1019 (29.1%) female. The Mean age of cases was 24.2±17.5 and age domain between 1 to 86 was variable. The biting incidence rate was increased during 3 years, as follow 2003, 2004 and 2005 were 745/100000, 787/100000 and 788/100000 respectively. Total incidence was 773/10000 during the 3 years, the most biting frequency belong to the students 1157 (37%). Lower limb was the most common site of biting 2344 (67%). Dog was the common animal in biting 3344 (95.6). Most biting happened in spring season 1042 (29.8%). 3151 cases (90.1%) were living in rural area. 3198 cases (91.5%) and 298 (98.5%) had complete and uncompleted vaccination respectively. According to the results from this survey, the rate of dog biting in Kalaleh district was more than the other region, therefore, it would be important that all concerning organizations interfere to prevent and control this health threat.