Missouri medicine
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Dog bites are the second most costly public health problem in the United States with half of all Americans being bitten in their lifetime. Approximately 17 to 18 percent of dog bite injuries receive medical attention. ⋯ Median hospital charges for emergency department services and hospitalizations were $300 per visit and $4,698 per admission. We discuss deficiencies in the reporting of animal bites as well as recommended community efforts in reducing the burden of dog bite trauma.