Cases of bites and scratches with a risk of rabies reported to the infectious disease emergency department
Fatima Zohra BENSADOUN, Ahmed KOUIADBELKADI and Najand MOUFFOK
Rabies-prone bites are a public health problem.The WHO: 59,000 people die from rabies each year worldwide.The human rabies, a deadly and endemic disease in our country, where 11 rabies deaths were reported in 2021.A retrospective descriptive study of patient records from 2017 to 2025 presenting to the infectious disease emergency department following bites and/or scratches. Inclusion criteria: all patients presenting with one or more bites and/or scratches posing a risk of rabies. The management of all patients was in accordance with the ministerial guidelines concerning rabies risk.Reporting cases of bites or scratches that pose a risk of rabies in patients presenting to the infectious disease emergency department, and the importance of urgent care.The study collected 590 cases of bites and scratches that were recorded and reported, with a male predominance (79.34%) and a sex ratio of 3.84, primarily affecting young adults between 14 and 35 years old. 82% of the injuries were superficial. Among the biting animals, dogs were the most frequently implicated (74.25%), followed by cats (14.38%) and rats (11.37%). Stray animals were the most common victims (67%). The summer-autumn nighttime period (July to November) is the most conducive to animal aggression. The most frequently affected body parts among victims were: Hand (35%), Forearm (24%), Leg (19%), Face (9%), Neck (6%), Foot (5%), and other (2%). Diagnosed in the infectious disease emergency department, treatment was rapid, consisting of first aid and antibiotics. 92% received serovaccination, 8% received vaccination alone, and 90% received tetanus prophylaxis. Surgery was performed on 14 patients. Monitoring of the vaccination process was maintained.Compared to a study conducted in Africa (Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 2011): The exposed victims are predominantly male (79.34%) / Study: 57.40%. The affected age group varies, as in the African study. Dogs are the most frequently implicated animal (75.35%) / Study: (92.1%). Unvaccinated animals (89.85%) / Study: 87.2%. Post-exposure prophylaxis received by 100% of patients / Study: 50%Despite the efforts made by the authorities in providing care, animal bites and scratches have become a very frequent reason for emergency room visits.
