A Wild Wolf Attack and Its Unfortunate Outcome: Rabies and Death

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Turkmen S., Sahin A., Gunaydin M., Tatli O., Karaca Y., TÜREDİ S., ...More

WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE, vol.23, no.3, pp.248-250, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.wem.2012.03.009
  • Journal Name: WILDERNESS & ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.248-250
  • Keywords: wolf, rabies, wild mammalian attack, HEALTH DISTRICT, BITE WOUNDS, TURKEY
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Wild animal attacks are potential occurrences in rural areas of Turkey. Wolf attacks, however, are rare this century, but there are many anecdotal reports from previous times. Attacks by wolves are generally directed against animals, such as cows and sheep, and for feeding purposes. Wolf attacks on humans are a little known and unexpected phenomenon. A 60-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with facial injuries caused by a wolf emerging from a rural area and leaping at his face as he was sitting in his garden. During the incident, the patient strangled the wolf to death. Despite postexposure prophylaxis the patient likely died because of rabies.