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

WHO’s Perspective on Animal Bites

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers animal bites a significant global health concern, particularly because of their connection to rabies and snakebite incidents. According to WHO data:

• Around 5 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with approximately 90,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands suffering from lasting disabilities.
• Dog bites are the most common issues, and rabid dogs are responsible for the majority of 59,000 rabies-related deaths annually.
• Bats, cats, monkeys, and other animals can also carry rabies, often without leaving visible marks, which makes them particularly dangerous.

WHO stresses that rapid medical attention is critical for anyone bitten by an animal, especially in regions where rabies is present. Communities are encouraged to educate families on prevention strategies, and governments must ensure that vaccines and antivenoms are readily available. The organization also emphasizes that first aid, early medical evaluation, and timely post-exposure preventive measures can save lives.

What We Know About Animal Bites in Poland

Animal bites are not only a global issue, they affect local people also. A recent 15-year study in Poland (2006–2020) sheds light on the patterns of dog bites in the country. According to the study, there were 4,145 hospitalizations due to dog bites over the 15-year period, which is just a fraction of the actual cases since many bites are treated at home or in outpatient clinics. Interestingly, 42% of hospitalizations occurred in 2020, when families spent more time at home with their pets during the COVID-19 lockdown.

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

The Polish findings reinforce the idea that while hospital records provide useful data, the true scale of animal bites is likely much larger. It also underlines the need for prevention programs, public awareness campaigns, and improved medical guidance for people at risk.

First Aid for Animal Bites: What You Should Do

When animals come to bites, quick and appropriate first aid can make all the difference. Acting promptly helps prevent infections, reduces complications, and can even save lives.

The initial steps are straightforward:

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove bacteria that could cause infection.
2. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment to help prevent bacterial growth.
3. Cover the bite with a clean bandage to protect it from dirt and further injury.

While these steps are sufficient for minor scratches or superficial wounds, some situations require immediate medical attention. You should contact a healthcare professional if:

• The wound is deep, severe, or bleeding heavily. Applying firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage can help stop bleeding while you seek medical care.
• There are signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, pus, or worsening pain.
• You are unsure whether the animal is rabid. Bats, raccoons, and stray dogs are especially 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 the hospital or clinic, treatment may include rabies shots, a tetanus booster, or antibiotics to prevent infections. Severe wounds might also require suturing or surgical care, depending on the extent of the tissue damage.