title: 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.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control; D011819:Rabies Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D011819:Rabies Vaccines