The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center answered 6,000 calls in 2006 dealing with Bites and Stings. According to their statistics, the vast majority of these resulted from the creature being provoked. Arizona is home to many venomous creatures including rattlesnakes, scorpions, gila monsters, spiders, bees, centipedes, fire ants, and other insects. These creatures prefer to avoid human contact, but when provoked can attack. Modern medical advances have greatly reduced fatalities when it comes to bites and stings, but severe injury and reaction can still occur.
Bites from wild animals, especially bats, or infected domestic animals can lead to Rabies if left untreated. Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. Domestic animals should be vaccinated against Rabies. If a human is bit, the bite should be thoroughly washed and medical attention should be immediately sought in order to determine whether to begin anti-rabies preventative treatment.
Although less exotic, pet cat and dog bites should be another public health concern for Arizonans. Dog bites are another health concern for Arizonans. Over the past 5 years, there have been 10,857 dog bites or maulings in Pima Country. 28% of these bites are to children 2-12 years old. The majority of dog bites are preventable and occur in the home of the dog-owner. Breeds linked to the most severe dog attacks include Rottweilers and Pit Bulls.1 If one encounters a ferocious dog, it is important not to run away or scream. Instead stand still and don’t say anything. Should a dog jump up on you, remain still with hands to your sides. If knocked down, the best thing to do is to curl into a ball, over your ears with your hands and hide the face in your knees.2
The lowly mosquito should also be a concern as mosquito bites can transfer the West Nile Virus. The West Nile Virus has been in the news frequently in Arizona and around the nation. West Nile Virus causes encephalitis and is transmitted only through Mosquito bites. It cannot be transmitted from person to person, animal to person, or animal to animal. The most severe cases of West Nile Virus are seen in birds and horses. Some Arizonans have been infected with the virus, which has a fatality rate of 3-15%, with the elderly often having the sickest symptoms3
For further information, click on the following topics: Accidents and Injuries; Child Health; Desert Living, or Infectious Diseases.
