Acidentes por mordeduras de cães e gatos no município de Pinhais, Brasil de 2002 a 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.