Animal Bites: Risks, First Aid, and What You Need to Know

WHO Perspective on Animal Bites

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes animal bites as a significant global health problem, particularly due to their association with rabies and snakebite. According to WHO data:

• About 5 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with about 90,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands suffering permanent disabilities.
• Dog bites are the most common problem, and rabid dogs account for most of the 59,000 rabies-related deaths per year.
• Bats, cats, monkeys and other animals can also carry rabies, often without leaving visible traces, making them especially dangerous.

WHO emphasizes that quick medical help is crucial for anyone bitten by an animal, especially in regions where rabies is present. Communities are encouraged to educate families about preventative strategies, and governments must ensure the availability of vaccines and antitetanus serum. The organization also emphasizes that first aid, early medical evaluation, and prompt preventative measures after exposure can save lives.

What We Know About Animal Bites in Poland 

Animal bites are not only a global problem, but also a local one. 15-year study in Poland (2006–2020) sheds light on dog bite patterns across the country. According to the study, there were 4,145 hospitalizations for dog bites over a 15-year period, which represents only a fraction of the actual cases, as many bites are treated at home or in outpatient clinics. Interestingly, 42% of these hospitalizations occurred in 2020, when families spent more time at home with their pets during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Children aged 0–9 years were most frequently bitten, particularly boys living in rural areas. Among adults, hospitalizations decreased with increasing age for men, but older women, especially those over 60 years of age in rural areas, showed an increasing trend in bite-related hospitalizations. This study highlights that bites are a complex public health problem influenced by demographic factors, geography, and human-animal interactions.

The results from Poland confirm that while hospital data are useful, the actual incidence of animal bites is likely much higher. This also highlights the need for preventative programs, public awareness campaigns, and better medical support for those at risk.

First Aid for Animal Bites: What You Should Do

When a bite occurs, prompt and appropriate first aid can make a huge difference. Immediate action helps prevent infection, reduces complications, and may even save lives.

The initial steps are simple:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove bacteria that could cause infection.
• Apply antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent bacteria from growing.
• Cover the bite with a clean dressing to protect it from dirt and further injury.

While these steps are sufficient for minor scrapes or superficial wounds, some situations require immediate medical attention. You should consult a doctor if:

• The wound is deep, serious, or bleeding heavily. Applying firm pressure with a clean cloth or dressing may help stop the bleeding while you seek medical attention.
• There are signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, pus, or increasing pain.
• You're not sure if the animal had rabies. Bats, raccoons, and stray dogs are particularly risky because rabies can be transmitted without a noticeable bite.
• You have not had a tetanus booster in the last five years and the wound is dirty or deep.

In a hospital or clinic, treatment may include rabies vaccines, a tetanus booster, or antibiotics to prevent infection. Serious wounds may also require stitches or surgery, depending on the extent of tissue damage.