Descriptive epidemiology of animal-induced injuries in Sandun Town, Hangzhou, China

TL;DR

This study examines animal-related injuries in Hangzhou, China, highlighting the need for better prevention and vaccination practices.

Contribution

The study provides a detailed epidemiological analysis of animal-induced injuries and identifies gaps in rabies and tetanus prevention practices.

Findings

Cats were the most common source of injury, with most incidents occurring indoors.

Many patients lacked prior rabies vaccination and had low rates of rabies immunoglobulin and tetanus vaccine administration.

Emergency medical records can guide national prevention policies and improve immunization strategies.

Abstract

To summarize epidemiological features of animal-induced injury patients using the emergency department medical record system, and provide recommendations for improving animal-induced injury prevention and immunization practices.

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data of animal-induced injury patients treated at the Animal Bite Clinic of the Emergency Department of Zhejiang Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

The study had a median age of 26 years, with the 25–44 year age group being the most represented. Majority of the patients were migrants, and workers constituted the predominant occupational group. Notably, cats were identified as the most common source of injury, followed by dogs, with most incidents occurring indoors. The most frequent clinical presentations were category II wounds and single upper limb injuries. Regarding post-exposure management, although most patients sought treatment on the day of injury, a significant majority had no history of prior rabies vaccination. The completion rate for the full post-exposure vaccination course was high. However, the administration of human rabies immunoglobulin was low, and only a minority of patients received concomitant tetanus vaccine

This study concludes that despite progressive strengthening of immunization programs, China's rabies control efforts require further refinement to bridge the gap with developed countries. The substantial annual burden of animal-induced injuries highlights the necessity for targeted interventions, such as educating specific demographics and emphasizing outdoor vigilance in warm seasons. Improving tetanus vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin administration, alongside consistent patient counseling, are key clinical priorities. The emergency medical record system emerges as a cornerstone for surveillance, offering critical evidence to guide national prevention policies and immunization strategies.

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