Abstract:
In developing countries, there is underestimation of the importance of vertebrate animal bites and
scratches in morbidity, mortality and loss of life in public health. In 2009, a study was done to
determine characteristics of vertebrate animal bite injuries and their management in patients reporting
at Kakamega Provincial General Hospital (PGH) in Western Kenya. A facility health based crosssectional study was conducted. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to collect data
from all patients reporting with animal bites to Kakamega PGH between 1st August and 31st October
2009. In addition, observation of the patient was done. Data were entered and analyzed in Epi info
Version 3.4.3 software. A total of 207 bite patients were interviewed of which dog bites constituted
71.5%, human bites 16.4% followed by snake and cat bites. Twenty seven percent of dog bites were
in children aged below 10 years. Ninety seven percent of the anti-rabies vaccine prescription were for
animal bite wounds by cats and dogs, of which 63% ranged between 1-3 doses. Completion of antirabies vaccination regimen was significantly associated with age group 5-12 years (p<0.02). Kenya
Expanded Program for Immunization (KEPI) was the main source of the vaccine while being bitten
on the upper extremities was most common. Animal bites due to dogs are common in Kakamega,
with children most affected. Low dose post-exposure vaccine prescriptions were commonly done at
the hospital. Public health authorities should enhance community sensitization to reduce dog bites
and also develop and disseminate animal bite management guidelines to health facilities.