Investigating the prevalence of animal bites and stings in Kashan city in 2024

AbstractA 25-question questionnaire was used to collect information on animal bites and stings in urban and rural areas and then the data were analyzed. Overall, 87% of the 500 individuals surveyed reported having been bitten and stung by various animals. Among the participants, 64.05% (278 individuals) had been bitten and stung only once, while 35.95% (156 individuals) had experienced two or three bites and stings. Among these, 38.5% of the bites and stings were from Culicidae mosquitoes, 33.5% from bees, 6.5% from scorpions, 4% from sandflies, 4% from centipedes, 3.5% from cats, 3% from fleas, 2.5% from dogs, 1.25% from spiders, 1.25% from mice, 1% from snakes, and 1% from bird pecks. Most individuals encountered animals and were bitten and stung in and around their homes, with the highest frequency of bites and stings being from insects such as mosquitoes and bees. Raising awareness about the life cycles of these arthropods, improving environmental conditions, and implementing safe preventive measures can significantly decrease the occurrence and frequency of animal stings and bites.