COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown Increase Risk of Severe Dog Bite Injuries in Children

Strategic Insights -

During the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the lockdown, there has been a significant increase in the frequency and severity of domestic head, neck, and face (HNF) dog bite injuries in children. According to a study published in the Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with severe household injury from a pet dog, the number of inpatients and treatments in the operating room, and prolonged hospitalization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown increased the risk of HNF dog bite injuries in children by 5.5- and 1.5-fold during and after the lockdown, respectively.
  • Compared to the pre-COVID-19 period, pediatric HNF dog bite injuries increased significantly during and after the lockdown.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with severe household injury from a pet dog, the number of inpatients and treatments in the operating room, and prolonged hospitalization.
  • Isolated periorbital injury was common during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during the lockdown.
  • The most injury-prone region during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown was the periorbital region.

Statistics:

  • 36 children were included in the study sample (19.4% girls; 97.2% Caucasians; 50% isolated periorbital injuries; 61.1% during the lockdown; 16.7% after the lockdown).
  • The average age of the children involved in the study was 8 ± 3.3 years.
  • The relative risk (RR) of isolated periorbital injury during the lockdown was 4.36 (95% CI, 0.72 to 26.6).
  • The relative risk (RR) of isolated periorbital injury during the pandemic was 4.86 (95% CI, 0.76 to 31.12).

Sources:

  • COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown increase the frequency and severity of periorbital dog bite injuries in children. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research, 2022;12(5):666-672. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-oral-biology-and-craniofacial-research/)
  • Chulalongkorn University.