Epidemiological Study of Animal Bites and Rabies in Lorestan Province in West of Iran During 2004–2014 for Preventive Purposes

Abstract

Background: Despite the progress made, animal bites and rabies are one of the important
health problems in the country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of
animal bites and rabies during 2004–2014 in Lorestan Province to prevent them in population of
the province for the future prospective aspects.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross‑sectional study, all those cases bitten in the
province, during 2004 and 2014, were studied. The required information about the age, sex,
the bitten organ, type of the invasive animal time, and location of the event were collected in
questionnaires and then analyzed.
Results: The total number of cases of animal rabies during the period of study was 43,892,
shown at the rate of 223.23 in 100,000 people. Seventy‑eight percent of animal bites in rural
areas, 41.42% in the ages 10–29‑year‑old, 26.8% of cases were students, 56.77% leg bites, and
82.5% of dog bites. Four cases of human rabies were observed during this period.
Conclusions: Rate of animal bites and rabies is high in Lorestan Province. Controlling animals
such as dogs and cats in the province through training people at risk, especially among the
students, rural areas and inter‑sectorial coordination to eliminate stray animals should be
considered over and over. Preventive actions to avoid bites are a priority.
Keywords: Animal bites, epidemiology, Iran, Lorestan, rabies