Geographical Distribution Map and Epidemiological Pattern of Animal Bite in the North of Iran.

Introduction: Animal bite is a public health problem in Iran and in the world, and despite the great progress in preventing and treating these cases, it has had high economic, social, and psychological consequences. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological and geographical status of animal bites in Mazandaran province in 2007-2016. Methods: This was a retrospective and longitudinal study conducted in 2018. The population of the study was all animal bitten people in the geographical area of Mazandaran province in 2007-2016. The data collection tool was a checklist based on the documentation available at the animal bite registration offices in disease prevention health centers. Frequency and percentage descriptive statistics and SPSS software were used for data analysis. Arc GIS software was also used to draw the geographical map. Results: A total of 32469 cases of the animal bite were reported in 2007-2016 in Mazandaran province. The prevalence of the disease was 45.2% in the urban area and 54.8% in the rural area. Most cases were in 2015 with 7621 patients and the least in 2013 with 3305 patients. Among the counties of Mazandaran province, Sari was the first with 4623 cases of the animal bite. Conclusion: Given the high incidence of animal bite in Mazandaran province, it is necessary to provide appropriate intervention programs for prevention and reduction of the animal bite, especially in summer and spring and rural population and emphasize on immunization of domestic dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]