Epidemiological characteristics of animal-induced injuries among patients of a designated dog-bite injury clinic in an urban district of Shanghai Municipality
1. Changning District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200051, China; 2. Shanghai Changning Tianshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shanghai 200051, China
Abstract：Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of patients with animal-induced injuries in Changning District of Shanghai Municipality in 2020, to scientifically reduce the incidence of animal-induced injuries and provide effective prevention and treatment measures. Methods According to the National Injury Monitoring Report Card, we collected the recorded information regarding vaccination of all animal-induced injury cases received by a designated dog-bite injury clinic in Changning District of Shanghai Municipality in 2020. EpiData 3.1 was used for data entry and R4.1.2 for statistical analysis. Results There were 12,934 animal-induced injury patients reported in Changning District in 2020, with a male to female ratio of 0.7:1. Among them, the number of patients in the age group of 15-30 years was the largest (34.23%). Cats were the most common cause of the injuries (52.18%), followed by dogs (39.35%) and rats (5.78%). Animal-induced injuries mainly occurred at home. The activities when the patients were injured were mainly leisure activities such as interaction with pets. The injured parts mainly involved the limbs, but those in most minors under the age of 15 years were mainly at the heads and faces. The injury severity of patients who came to get rabies vaccines was mainly mild (98.28%). 73.43% of the patients could deal with the wound by themselves before the vaccination, while 24.36% were untreated. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the management of stray cats in residential areas and other living places, guide people to raising pets properly, conduct health education for different groups, and enhance protection awareness and preventive measures. At the same time, the injured should be vaccinated against rabies scientifically, reasonably and in time.
2023, Vol. 30 
