Dog and cat bite accidents in Pinhais, Brazil from 2002 to 2005

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate
the characteristics of bite accidents in human beings
caused by dogs and cats in the city of Pinhais,
Paraná, Brazil from 2002 to 2005. Data of suspicious
anti-rabies attendance in City Health Units from a
total of 2,163 forms from Brazilian National Disease
Notification System (BNDNS) were evaluated.
Aggression mainly occurred in patients older than 12
years (61.4%), males (57.3%), with single (58.3%)
and superficial (49.7%) wounds, mostly in rear limbs
(33.3%). Bite was referred as the most frequent
exposure (81.9%), mainly by dogs (95.9%); a total
of 51.0% of animals were considered healthy at the
moment of the accident. Aggression was provoked
by the victim in 508 cases (23.5%) and mostly during
vacation hours (47.8%). March, April and May were
the months with the lowest frequency. As previously
referred, BNDNS form does not supply information
on animal housing status, relationship with the
victim and local of aggression, important data to
indicate the aggressive animal and victim profiles. In
conclusion, continuous monitoring of bite accidents
may be used as a parameter of effectiveness of
health education activities. Moreover, it may be
used as basis for responsible guard programs, with
focus in the bite accident prevention.