Epidemiology and treatment of dog bites in Ibadan: a 12-year retrospective study of cases seen at the University College Hospital Ibadan (1962-1973)

Abstract

A retrospective epidemiological study was made of dog bite accidents seen at the Casualty department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, between 1 January 1962 and 31 December 1973. A variety of host, agent and environmental factors were analysed. The incidence per 1000 attendances was 11.5 with a male/female ratio of 57:43. Majority of the bites occurred in the dry season and 75.4% of the victims were less than 20 years of age. 83.5% of the bites were inflicted on the extremities and 59.1% were moderately severe or severe. 50% of the bites were unprovoked and 80.3% of the biting dogs belonged to known owners. 86.9% of the victims reported for treatment within 24 hours of the accident but only 6.6% attended for follow up beyond four weeks. 73.5% of the victims received active immunization with rabies vaccine but only 50.2% of these completed the prescribed course. The findings in this study provides a factual basis for making recommendations to prevent, control and treat dog bites.