Aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Nordeste brasileiro / Epidemiological aspects of accidents by poisony animals in Northeast Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos de accidentes por animales venenosos en el Noreste de Brasil

Objetivo: Descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Nordeste do Brasil. Método: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, construído a partir de dados secundários disponíveis no portal do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde do Brasil referente aos casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos no período de 2015 a 2019. Resultados: percebeu-se que entre 2015 e 2019 houve um crescimento percentual médio de 74,25% nos casos, sendo registrados cerca de 4 mil acidentes com animais peçonhentos por mês. Quanto aos aspectos sociodemográficos, predominou o sexo feminino (51,35%), pardos (62,51%), com faixa etária de 20-59 anos (57,5%). Além disso, nos aspectos clínicos dos acidentes, nota-se a maior ocorrência de acidentes com escorpiões (72,70%). Conclusão: vê-se a importância em analisar aspectos epidemiológicos a fim de subsidiar ações de promoção, proteção e gestão em saúde

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological aspects of accidents by venomous animals in Northeastern Brazil. Method: descriptive, retrospective study, constructed from secondary data available on the website of the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System regarding cases of accidents with venomous animals in the period from 2015 to 2019. Results: it was noticed that between 2015 and 2019 there was an average percentage increase of 74.25% in cases, with approximately 4 thousand accidents involving venomous animals per month. As for the sociodemographic aspects, there was a predominance of females (51.35%), browns (62.51%), aged 20-59 years (57.5%). In addition, in the clinical aspects of accidents, there is a higher occurrence of accidents with scorpions (72.70%). Conclusion: we see the importance of analyzing epidemiological aspects in order to support health promotion, protection and management actions

Objetivo: analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos de los accidentes por animales venenosos en el noreste de Brasil. Método: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, construido a partir de datos secundarios disponibles en el sitio web del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud de Brasil sobre los casos de accidentes con animales venenosos en el período de 2015 a 2019. Resultados: se notó que entre 2015 y 2019 fue un aumento porcentual promedio de 74,25% en los casos, con aproximadamente 4 mil accidentes con animales venenosos por mes. En cuanto a los aspectos sociodemográficos, hubo predominio del sexo femenino (51,35%), marrones (62,51%), de 20 a 59 años (57,5%). Además, en los aspectos clínicos de los accidentes, hay una mayor ocurrencia de accidentes con escorpiones (72,70%). Conclusión: vemos la importancia de analizar los aspectos epidemiológicos para apoyar las acciones de promoción, protección y gestión de la salud

Dog Bites in the United States from 1971 to 2018: A Systematic Review of the Peer-Reviewed Literature.

BACKGROUND: Surgical specialists in plastic, head and neck, hand, trauma surgery, and emergency medicine physicians bear the burden of treating the most serious injuries caused by animals. Most of these incidents result from an attack by a known dog, and breed has been proposed, but not proven, to be a controllable factor. The authors summarize the peer-reviewed literature on dog bites in the United States, specifically as related to the breeds implicated. METHODS: A systematic review of all peer-reviewed publications reporting on dog bites in the United States was performed. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library searches were conducted through May 8, 2018, for studies from the United States implicating a specific dog breed as responsible. RESULTS: Forty-one articles met inclusion criteria, the majority of which were single-institution retrospective reviews. Main outcomes were any dog bite reported in the peer-reviewed literature where a specific breed was implicated. Secondary measures included dog bites reported in areas where breed-specific legislation was enacted. The most common pure breed identified was German Shepherd, followed by Pit Bull-type breeds (i.e., American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully), Labrador, Collie, and Rottweiler, respectively. Pit bull-type and German Shepherd breeds are consistently implicated for causing the most serious injuries to patients in the United States across heterogeneous populations, and this remained consistent across multiple decades. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results indicate that German Shepherd and Pit Bull-type breeds account for the largest subset of pure breeds implicated in severe dog bites inflicted on humans in the medical literature. The role and complexity of mentioning breed in relation to human injuries are also discussed.

Informe especial: Análisis comparativo de las denuncias de accidentes por mordeduras de animales de compañía en el contexto del ASPO por Covid-19 / Special report: Comparative analysis of reports of accidents caused by bites of pet animals in the context of ASPO by Covid-19

El aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO) es una medida excepcional que el Gobierno Nacional adopta en un contexto crítico. Con el fin de proteger la salud pública frente a la propagación de la Covid-19, se dispuso que todas las personas que habitan, o se encuentren temporalmente, en las jurisdicciones donde rige esta normativa deberán permanecer en sus domicilios habituales, sólo pudiendo realizar desplazamientos mínimos e indispensables para aprovisionarse de artículos de limpieza, medicamentos y alimentos (Decreto Nacional 297/2020). En la Ciudad de Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) rige desde el 20 de marzo el ASPO, y se ha ido flexibilizando a lo largo del tiempo. En este contexto se modificaron conductas, actividades e incluso asistencia a los centros de salud para consultas no relacionadas con Covid-19. En este informe pretendemos dar cuenta de la situación en relación a la denuncia de accidentes por mordeduras de animales de compañía. (AU)

Consenso: niños y mascotas / Consensus: children and pets

La relación de un niño con un animal doméstico, bajo circunstancias debidamente controladas, es beneficiosa para ambos. Las mascotas establecen vínculos de apego con los niños y la relación resulta positiva en aspectos afectivos, en refuerzo de la personalidad y promoción de autoestima, y en desarrollo cognitivo.Sin embargo, existen riesgos en la convivencia de niños y mascotas: mordeduras, lesiones diversas, transmisión de enfermedades. Los factores de riesgo pueden ser inherentes a los niños (edades, conductas inoportunas, falta de supervisión), al medioambiente (hogares pequeños, espacios inadecuados) o a los perros (razas no recomendables, conductas agresivas).En este consenso, se insiste en pautas para una tenencia responsable y una convivencia segura. Se recomiendan perros y gatos como mascotas, y se desaconsejan especies exóticas y animales no tradicionales. Se brindan pautas de tratamiento de mordeduras y se esbozan las principales zoonosis de las que pueden ser transmisores los animales de compañía.

The relationship of a child with a pet, under duly controlled circumstances, is beneficial for both. Pets establish emotional attachments to children, and the relationship turns out positive in terms of affective aspects, in reinforcement of the child ́s personality and promoting self-esteem, and in cognitive development, among many other advantages.Nevertheless, there are real risks in the coexistence of kids and pets: trauma, bites, several injuries and also disease transmission. Risk factors of injuries can be inherent in children (age, improper behavior, lack of supervision), in the environment (small houses, inadequate spaces), or in dogs (big or not recommended breeds, aggressive behaviors).This consensus insists on some guidelines for a responsible tenure and safe coexistence. Dogs and cats are recommended as pets, discouraging exotic species and non-traditional animals. Guidelines for bites treatment are provided and the main zoonoses of which pets can be carriers and transmitters are outlined

The Pretravel Consultation: Recent Updates.

Estimates suggest that 43%-79% of international travelers may develop travel-related illnesses. Most such illnesses are considered mild and self-limited; however, some are life-threatening. The pretravel consultation is aimed at assessing risks for a range of illnesses, communicating these risks, and then providing individualized recommendations and interventions to minimize or manage such risks. The effective consultation is predicated on a well-prepared clinician and motivated traveler, understanding the traveler's perception of, and tolerance for, risk, and providing education applicable to the actual itinerary. Integral to the clinician's preparation is regular review of up-to-date trip-specific recommendations; country-specific information and recommendations are readily available and can now be efficiently accessed. From the infectious diseases perspective, immunizations, malaria chemoprophylaxis, insect repellent use, and travelers' diarrhea and its self-management are cornerstones of the consultation. This review focuses primarily on updating these 4 topics with recently published information relevant to adult travelers.

[Dog bites, a current problem in our environment]. / Mordeduras de perro, un problema vigente en nuestro entorno.

AIMS: Dog bites are frequent reason for consultation in pediatrics emergency department. Despite in our environment dog bites are rarely lethal, some of these accidents can have serious aesthetics consequences. The main goal of this article is to analyze dog bites casuistry and their impact in our community. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients treated for dog bite in a tertiary pediatric center between 2013-2018. We studied patient's demographic variables, bite localization, dog-patient relationship, antibiotic therapy, need for admission, complications and secondary sequelae. RESULTS: 256 cases were analyzed (average age 6.4 years), 133 boys (51.9%) and 123 girls (48%). In 153 cases, the aggressor dog was from the patient's familiar environment (59.8%). The most frequent location of the wounds was head and neck (94.1%), followed by extremities (4.7%) and genitals (1.6%). In 227 cases (88.7%) antibiotics were administered. Wound infection was the most frequent complication, occurring in 5 patients (2%). 20 patients (7.8%) required hospital admission with a mean stay of 1.6 days. Aesthetic sequelae were described in 10 cases (3.9%), 7 of which required correcting surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Dog bites persist as a frequent reason for medical consultation, most of them are provoked by patient familiar dogs. Wound infection represents the major complication, and the facial aesthetic sequelae are the most frequent indication for surgical intervention. We consider due to the amount of dog bites and their sequelae, the inclusion of preventive measures against these accidents in home prevention guidelines could be useful to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

OBJETIVOS: Las mordeduras de perro son motivo de consulta habitual en urgencias pediátricas. Si bien en nuestro medio raramente son letales, algunas conllevan secuelas estéticas graves. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la casuística de mordeduras de perro y su repercusión en nuestro entorno. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes atendidos por mordedura de perro en un centro pediátrico terciario entre 2013-2018. Estudiamos variables demográficas, localización de mordedura, relación perro-paciente, antibioterapia, necesidad de ingreso, complicaciones y secuelas derivadas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 256 casos (edad media 6,4 años), 133 niños (51,9%) y 123 niñas (48%). En 153 casos el perro agresor era del entorno del paciente (59,8%). La localización más frecuente de heridas fue cabeza y cuello (94,1%), seguida de extremidades (4,7%) y genitales (1,6%). En 227 casos (88,7%) se administró antibiótico. La complicación más frecuente fue la infección de herida en 5 pacientes (2%). Precisaron ingreso hospitalario 20 pacientes (7,8%) con estancia media de 1,6 días. Se describieron secuelas estéticas en 10 casos (3,9%), 7 precisaron cirugía correctora. CONCLUSIONES: Las mordeduras de perro persisten como motivo frecuente de consulta, produciéndose mayoritariamente por perros del entorno del paciente. La infección de herida representa la complicación más común, y la secuela estética facial supone la indicación más frecuente de intervención quirúrgica. Consideramos que por la cantidad de mordeduras y sus secuelas, la inclusión de medidas preventivas ante estos accidentes en guías de prevención del hogar, podría ser de utilidad para concienciar a la población y disminuir la incidencia de estas lesiones.

Blackflies in the ointment: O. volvulus vector biting can be significantly reduced by the skin-application of mineral oil during human landing catches.

BACKGROUND: Standard human landing catches (sHLCs) have historically been a key component of Onchocerca volvulus transmission monitoring, but expose health-workers to potentially hazardous vector bites. Novel human-bait-free trapping methods have been developed, but do not always work where they are needed and may not generate O. volvulus surveillance data that is directly comparable with historic data. METHODOLOGY: Simuliid sHLCs and mineral-oil protected HLCs (mopHLCs) were performed in a rural village of Amazonas state, Brazil. A four-hour direct comparisons of sHLCs and mopHLCs was carried-out using six vector collectors, each of whom used one leg for a sHLC and one for a mopHLC. Two-person collection teams then exclusively performed either mopHLCs or sHLCs for a further set of 12 four-hour collections. Following the completion of all collections, simuliid-bite mark estimates were made from legs used exclusively in sHLCs and legs used exclusively in mopHLCs. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: All of the 1669 captured simuliids were identified as the O. volvulus vector Simulium oyapockense. Overall, mopHLC simuliids captured per hour (S/H) rates were lower than those obtained with sHLC trapping (15.5 S/H versus 20 S/H). Direct comparisons of simuliid capture rates found that vector-collectors captured simuliids significantly more efficiently ([Formula: see text]: 20.5 S/H) with mopHLC trapping than with sHLC trapping ([Formula: see text]: 16.4 S/H): P-value = 0.002. MopHLCs performed in isolation were, however, observed to capture vectors less efficiently ([Formula: see text]: 13.4 S/H) than sHLCs performed under similar conditions ([Formula: see text]: 19.98 S/H). All six vector collectors had significantly higher simuliid capture per counted bite mark (SC/CBM) rates using mopHLCs than they were observe to have using sHLCs ([Formula: see text]: 21 SC/CBM versus [Formula: see text]: 1 SC/CBM; p-value = 0.03125). CONCLUSIONS: Vector collectors captured significantly more simuliids per counted bite mark with mopHLCs than with sHLCs. Further investigations into the utility of mopHLCs for onchocerciasis xenomonitoring and beyond are merited.

Pediatric Dog Bite Injuries in Central Texas.

PURPOSE: Identify children at greatest risk for dog bite injuries and to provide injury prevention recommendations. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients aged ≤18 years treated for dog bite injuries from October 2011 to October 2016 was performed. Data collected included patient demographics, parental presence, time of injury, dog breed and ownership status, injury location and characteristics, need for operative intervention, and hospitalization. RESULTS: One-hundred and two patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.84 years, and 43.1% were preschool-aged (2-5 years). Parental presence was reported in 43.6% of cases, and most attacks occurred in the evening (46.8%). Injuries often involved the head-neck region (92.1%), and 72.5% were of major severity. Pet dogs were responsible for 42% of injuries, and pit bull was the most-identified breed (36.2%). Most injuries occurred while the child was at home (57.8%) and was petting or playing with the dog (28.4%). Intervention in the operating room was required in 34.3% of patients. Major injury was more likely to require operative intervention (p = 0.015) but was not associated with patient age, sex, pet status, or the need for hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Preschool-aged children are more likely to be injured by dog bites, and dog bites can result in major injury to the head and neck region. Prevention efforts should focus on dog training, public education (children and adults), vigilant adult supervision, and a zero-tolerance policy. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series with no comparison group. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic.

Análisis de las lesiones ocasionadas por mordeduras de animales de compañía en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires: Año 2017 / Analysis of the injuries caused by pets´s bites in the City of Buenos Aires: Year 2017

Las lesiones ocasionadas por mordeduras de animales de compañía constituyen un problema de importancia para la salud, por un lado se relaciona con los traumas directos y los derivados posteriormente tanto físicos como psicológicos, así como con aspectos relacionados con la transmisión potencial de una enfermedad mortal como es la rabia. Actualmente la rabia no se encuentra erradicada; aún se registran casos en animales de compañía de países limítrofes e incluso en provincias del norte de nuestro país. Asimismo en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (CABA) se mantiene el ciclo aéreo de la rabia a través de los murciélagos. Éstos, al padecer la enfermedad, y por la afectación del sistema nervioso central, presentan: incoordinación, problemas de su sistema de radar, parálisis y muerte. Los perros y gatos domésticos, así como las personas, pueden tomar contacto con estos animales enfermos o muertos y contagiarse de rabia. Se analizan las denuncias efectuadas en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante 2017, así como los datos de los animales agresores

Características de la población canina de Asunción / Features od the canine population of Asuncion

Introducción: la alta incidencia de mordeduras caninas en la población humana (14.903 en el2.002), hizo pensar a las autoridades municipales sobre la necesidad de poner en vigencia el registro canino, necesidad sentida desde 1868 en Asunción, en que se genera la primera Ordenanza Municipal relacionada con este aspecto y crear un sistema de control de perros callejeros y de punición a dueños irresponsables. Objetivo: Estimar la población canina existente, su distribución por sexo y edad, el porcentaje de casas-habitación que poseen estos animales en Asunción y la probabilidad de un libre acceso de los perros a la calle. Material Métodos: Se siguió la guía de caracterización de población animal del Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa, tomando como marco de referencia la población humana, realizándose un muestreo estratificado proporcional con selección sistemática en dos etapas; por conglomerados (manzanas) seleccionadas como unidades primarias y en segunda etapa, las casas-habitación como unidades secundarias. Se estimó una muestra de n = 2.600casas. Se estableció la proporción de casas con perro para cada estrato. Resultados y Conclusiones: La población canina encontrada en Asunción posee características de una población rural: alto índice de tenencia y distribución etaria con alto porcentaje de perros mayores de 4 años. El sacrificio delas hembras al nacer no es tan frecuente como en otras ciudades de América Latina. Existe un alto porcentaje de población canina con libre acceso a la calle, que explica la incidencia de mordeduras ella ciudad. Existe un afecto y un cuidado por los canes muy arraigado en la comunidad, lo que se evidencia en el alto índice de la relación hombre/perro y el alto índice de perros adultos en la población.

Introduction: the high incidence of dog bites inthe human population (14,903 in 2002), suggestedto the municipal authorities on the need toenforce the canine registry, felt need since 1868in Asuncion, in which the first ordinance on thissubject of the city council was generated, and tocreate a system for the control of stray dogs andpunishment to irresponsible owners. Objective:To estimate the dog population distribution by sexand age, the percentage of houses that have theseanimals room in Asuncion and the likelihood offree access to the street. Material and Methods:Following the Guide for the characterization ofanimal population of the Pan American Foot andMouth Disease, taking as a reference the humanpopulation, a proportional stratified sampling withsystematic selection was followed in two stages;Cluster (blocks) selected as primary units androom houses as secondary units, a sample of n =2,600 households were study. The proportion ofhouses with dogs for each stratum was established.Results and Conclusions: The canine populationfound in Asuncion has characteristics of a rural population: high rate of tenure and age distributionwith a high percentage of dogs older than 4 years.The sacrifice of females at birth is not as prevalentas in other cities in Latin America. There is a highpercentage of canine population with free access tothe street, which explains the incidence of bites inthe city. There is a deeply rooted affection and carefor dogs in the community, which is evidenced bythe high rate of human / dog relationship and thehigh rate of adult dogs in the population.

Owner observations regarding cat scratching behavior: an internet-based survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to examine aspects of the cat, environment and scratching post that might influence scratching behavior, in an effort to determine how inappropriate scratching behavior might be refocused on acceptable targets. METHODS: An internet survey, posted on several public websites, gathered details about scratching behavior, as described by owners in their home environments, from 4331 respondents over a 4 month period. Responses from 39 different countries were analyzed, mostly from the USA, Canada and the UK. RESULTS: Owners offered traditionally recommended scratching substrates including rope, cardboard, carpet and wood. Rope was most frequently used when offered, although carpet was offered most commonly. Most owners provided at least one scratching post; cats scratched the preferred substrate more often when the post was a simple upright type or a cat tree with two or more levels and at least 3 ft high. Narrower posts (base width ⩽3 ft) were used more often than wider posts (base width ⩾5 ft). Intact or neutered cats (males and females) were as likely to scratch inappropriately, and inappropriate scratching decreased with age. Geriatric cats between the ages of 10 and 14 years preferred carpet substrate most frequently; all other ages preferred rope first. Inappropriate scratching decreased as the different types/styles of posts increased in the home. Inappropriate scratching did not increase if the number of cats or dogs increased in the household. Declawed cats were preventatively declawed most often to prevent household item destruction. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Although cats can have individual preferences, our data provide a starting point for veterinarians recommending scratching posts to clients.

Epidemiology of animal-related injuries in a high-income developing country.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence, mechanisms, types, anatomical distribution, and outcome of animal related-injuries in Al-Ain, the United Arab Emirates in order to improve preventive measures. METHODS: The study included all patients admitted to Al-Ain Hospital with animal-related injuries for more than 24 hours or the patients who died in the Emergency Department between March 2003 and March 2007. RESULTS: There were eighty-nine (2.3%) patients, of whom 99% were males. The median age of the patients was 30 (range, 5-89) years. Camel-related injuries were the most common (84.3%) injuries followed by cow-related injuries (6.7%). 88.7% of the injuries occurred at work. Animal kick was the most common mechanism of injury (32.6%) followed by falls (30.3%). Upper extremity was the most commonly injured region. The median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 4 (range, 1-13) and the median hospital stay was 6 (range, 1-53) days. CONCLUSION: The majority of animal-related injuries were caused by camels. Experience in handling the animals, a good knowledge of animal behavior along with using safety devices and prevention education can reduce the toll of animal-related injuries.

Bites, stings, and rigors: clinical considerations in African operations.

The natural health threats in Africa pose daunting clinical challenges for any provider, as evidenced by the current Ebola epidemic in West Africa, but the threat is multiplied for the Special Operations provider on the continent who faces these challenges with limited resources and the tyranny of distance. The majority of operationally significant health risks can be mitigated by strict adherence to a comprehensive force health protection plan. The simplest, yet most effective, technique for preventing mosquito-borne diseases is the prevention of mosquito bites with repellent, bed nets, and appropriate clothing in addition to chemoprophylaxis. Some of the more likely or lethal infectious diseases encountered on the continent include malaria, Chikungunya, dengue, human immunodeficiency virus, and Ebola. Venomous snakes pose a particular challenge since the treatment can be as deadly as the injury. Providers supporting African operations should educate themselves on the clinical characteristics of possible envenomations in their area while promoting snake avoidance as the primary mitigation measure. To succeed in Africa, the Special Operations provider must consider how to meet these challenges in an environment where there may not be reliable evacuation, hospitalization, or logistics channels.

An evaluation of a dog bite prevention intervention in the pediatric emergency department.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a video-based dog bite prevention intervention at increasing child knowledge and describe any associated factors and to assess the acceptability of providing this intervention in a pediatric emergency department (PED). METHODS: This cross-sectional, quasi-experimental study enrolled a convenience sample of 5-year-old to 9-year-old patients and their parents, presenting to a PED with nonurgent complaints or dog bites. Children completed a 14-point simulated scenario test used to measure knowledge about safe dog interactions before and after a video intervention. Based on previous research, a passing score (≥ 11/14) was defined a priori. Parents completed surveys regarding sociodemographics, dog-related experiential history, and the intervention. RESULTS: There were 120 child-parent pairs. Mean (SD) child age was 7 (1) years, and 55% were male. Of the parents, 70% were white, two thirds had higher than high school education, and half had incomes less than $40,000. Current dog ownership was 77%; only 6% of children had received previous dog bite prevention education. Test pass rate was 58% before the intervention and 90% after the intervention. Knowledge score increased in 83% of children; greatest increases were in questions involving stray dogs or dogs that were fenced or eating. Younger child age was the only predictor of failing the posttest (p < 0.001). Nearly all parents found the intervention informative; 93% supported providing the intervention in the PED. CONCLUSION: Child knowledge of dog bite prevention is poor. The video-based intervention we tested seems efficacious at increasing short-term knowledge in 5-year-old to 9-year-old children and is acceptable to parents. Parents strongly supported providing this education.

Environmental dermatology: skin manifestations of injuries caused by invertebrate aquatic animals / Dermatologia ambiental: manifestacoes dermatologicas de acidentes por animais aquaticos (invertebrados)

Contact between humans and coastal areas has increased in recent decades, which has led to an increase in injuries from aquatic animals. The majority of these present dermatological manifestations, and some of them show typical lesions. The highest percentages of injuries that occur in marine environments are associated with invertebrates such as sea urchins, jellyfish and Portuguese men-of-war (echinoderms and cnidarians). In this review, we discuss the clinical, therapeutic and preventive aspects of injuries caused by marine and freshwater invertebrates, focusing on first aid measures and diagnosis for dermatologists and professionals in coastal areas.

O contato entre a Humanidade e as áreas litorâneas vem aumentando nas últimas décadas e com isso também aumentaram os acidentes por animais aquáticos. A maioria destes apresenta manifestações dermatológicas, sendo algumas bem características. As maiores porcentagens das lesões em ambientes marinhos estão associadas aos invertebrados, como os ouriços-do-mar, águas-vivas e caravelas (equinodermos e cnidários). Nesta revisão, são discutidos os aspectos clínicos, terapêuticos e preventivos de acidentes por invertebrados marinhos e fluviais e ressaltados os primeiros cuidados e os auxílios diagnósticos para os dermatologistas e profissionais das áreas litorâneas.

Bites and mites: prevention and protection of vector-borne disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are difficult to prevent and control because it is hard to predict the complex habits of mosquitoes, ticks and fleas; most vector-borne viruses or bacteria infect animals as well as humans, which further adds to this difficulty. Thus, prevention is the best protection against VBD. RECENT FINDINGS: Vaccines are available for yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis and several vaccines are in clinical trials for dengue fever. Antimalarial intermittent preventive therapy (sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) and insecticide-treated mosquito nets are associated with a decreased risk of neonatal mortality and lower birth-weight. Permethrin-impregnated clothing for the prevention of tick bites has been shown effective in reducing tick bites. SUMMARY: Much progress has been made in terms of development of preventive vaccines and medicines, but there is more work that needs to be done. Efforts still need to continue on raising awareness for prevention of VBD.