Analysis of interview applied to people who received medical attention due to bat contact in São Paulo Municipality, 2009

Bat contact to people is a public health concern due to rabies transmission. This study analyzed anti-rabies treatment by bat contact in Sao Paulo. It was applied a questionnaire to 80 victims treated in health services. It was observed that the most affected age groups were 40-44 and 55-59 years. Bat was seeing by 52.5% of victims, 50.0% of them reported bites and 11.9% touched the animal. Of the 38 victims who have not seen the bat, 37 perceived injury. Of all cases, the foot (45%) was the region more injuried. Of 67.5% reported bite, 5.6% did not received treatment. In 47.4% of cases, the contacts occurred within a household, 35% were outside Sao Paulo and 31.25% in forested areas where people go to pray. In this case, 96.3% were women, 15.4% saw the bat and 100% were bitten in foot. Only 10% of bats were sent to diagnostic and one was positive. In 8.8% of cases the victims brought the animal to the health care center where it was discarded. There are failures in treatment indications and on sending bats for rabies diagnosis. There is a particular situation of people that exposes themselves in forested areas. There is a need of specific education.