Epidemiological characteristics of dog bite accidents attended at a basic health unit in northeast Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify the epidemiological characteristics of patients bitten by dogs and attended at the Centro de Saúde Paulo Ramos, in São Luís, Maranhão, from January to June, 2002. The data were collected from the epidemiological investigation records of 189 patients of both genders, from 1 to 21 years old. The analyzed variables were the victims’ age, sex and occupation; event location, dog’s vaccinal condition and origin; and wound characteristics such as the affected part of the body and wound type. The results showed that the victims were mainly from the age group of 8 to 14 years old (n=81; 43%) and male (n=119, 63%). From the studied records, 135 (71%) of the accidents happened at home. n 104 (55%) of the cases, the bites occurred in lower limbs, 145 (77%) being considered as rofound wounds. The most frequent occupation was student, in 154 (81%) of the victims. he vaccinated dogs were responsible for 87 (46%) of the accidents. We conclude from this tudy that the epidemiological profile of the victims of dog bites, attended at the studied ocation, consisted mainly of males, at the age group of 8-14 years with profound wounds in ower limbs. It is worth to point out that prevention measures are necessary, as well as the romotion of an educational work for the population to become aware of the risks and the ravity of this type of accident