Ar Bahonar, S Bokaie, Kh Khodaveirdi, Gh Nikbakht Boroujeni, Ma Rad,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2008)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Rabies is one of the oldest and most lethal zoonoses in the world. Cases have been reported from most provinces of Iran, involving both domestic and wild animals. This study aimed to define the epidemiology of rabies in human and animal populations in the western province of Ilam and was conducted in all of the 7 cities of the province.
Methods: In this descriptive study we recorded data on the number of the persons bitten by animals, geographical location, age category, occupation and professional relationships, pre-exposure prophylaxis, treatment for rabies, conditions of the injured organs, and the mortality rate. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software package.
Results: There were 4 human deaths from rabies in this province (2 men and 2 women) three of these cases had been bitten by dogs and the remaining one by a cat. The mean age of these people was 25.2 years (SD=15.3y). A total of 2431 people had been bitten by animals over the preceding 10 years. Most such injuries happened in the 10-29y age group and the frequency was greater for males (P<0.01). About 64% of all cases had been reported from rural areas, and the greatest number of injuries occurred in winter and spring. The most common sites of injury were hands and feet (88.5%), trunk and the cervical region (9.3%) and head/ face (2.2%).
Conclusion: The increasing number of stray dogs and the movement of dogs and wild animals into cities and villages are important factors in the transmission of rabies. More research needs to be done on the eco-epidemiology of the disease in different cities of Ilam.
E Mostafavi, Gh Moradi, Kh Rahmani, F Jahanbakhsh, S Eybpoosh, M Keypour, E Ghaderi, H Erfani, K Hajibagheri, M Zeinali, M Khodabandehloo, M Shirzadi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to present a summary of the rabies surveillance program in humans in the country, its achievements and its strengths and weaknesses.
Methods: This study was a review of the country's plan for surveillance and control of rabies in humans. The sources of information included the data, reports, documents, and published guidelines. The viewpoints of stakeholders and experts were also reviewed in this study.
Results: Since rabies is a zoonotic disease, its effective management requires a good collaboration between several organizations. Moreover, because Iran is located in an endemic region, there is a need for the development of regional and international cooperation for the success of disease prevention, control and management. Animal services for biting and rabies control are provided free of charge in more than 700 centers in the country. Major achievements of the program include timely preventive treatment for animal bite cases, knowledge of the geographical distribution of the disease, identification of high-risk provinces, and decreasing the percentage of human deaths.
Conclusion: The program has performed well for rabies secondary prevention. Some aspects of the program, however, still need to be improved, including improvement of educational programs targeting general population and high-risk groups, animal bite prevention, vaccination of domestic dogs, controlling the population of stray dogs, rabies control in wild animals, and proper waste collection and disposal.
Fatemeh Rostampour, Hamid Reza Khalkhali, Sima Masudi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Animal bites are one of the most important public health problems that cause rabies. This study aimed to investigate the preventive measures taken for animal bite cases that occurred in West Azerbaijan province during 2012 to 2019.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved the review data from all animal bite cases referred to rabies care centers in West Azerbaijan province. Information regarding prophylactic measures to prevent rabies, including post-bite procedures (washing, disinfection, dressing, stitches and receiving antibiotics), anti-rabies vaccine status (referral delay, vaccine dose received, vaccination history, anti-rabies serum, tetanus vaccination history) was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationship between delay in referral and the measures taken was investigated using the Chi-square test.
Results: Over the studied years, there were 47131 cases of animal bites. Among these, 63.9% were referred without delay, while 36.1% experienced a delay in referral. Notably, 99.6% of wounds were washed with soap and water, 94.5% were disinfected, and 31.3% received antibiotics. The proportion of individuals receiving antibiotics was significantly higher among those with delayed referrals. Regarding rabies vaccination, 77.3% had received all three initial doses, 15.4% had completed five doses, and 1.1% had not received any vaccine.
Conclusion: While prophylaxis measures for animal bite cases are commendable, there is a critical need for timely administration of rabies vaccine in rabies care centers. Implementing educational programs for general population to encourage prompt treatment-seeking in the event of animal bites is essential.
