Pediatric Emergency Department Visits for Dog Bites in Maryland, 2017–2025

Why It Matters

Rising dog‑bite cases and associated costs strain pediatric emergency services and highlight a preventable public‑health risk, prompting the need for focused education and policy interventions.

Key Takeaways

• Maryland ERs see ~1,800 pediatric dog‑bite cases annually.
• Boys aged 5‑9 represent highest proportion of bite victims.
• Summer months and urban areas show peak incidence rates.
• One‑third require sedation or anesthesia; admissions remain rare.
• Rabies and tetanus prophylaxis usage nearly doubled since 2017.

Summary

Dr. Tish Ryan of Johns Hopkins presented a statewide analysis of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits for dog bites in Maryland from 2017 through 2025. Using the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database, the study quantified the burden of dog‑bite injuries among children and adolescents up to age 19.

The data show an average of about 1,800 visits per year, with boys ages 5‑9 accounting for the largest share. Incidents cluster in urban counties and peak during the summer months. Although most patients are discharged the same day, roughly one‑third require sedation or anesthesia, and hospital admission remains uncommon. Medical charges have risen steadily, and the use of rabies prophylaxis nearly doubled, while tetanus shots also increased, signaling heightened clinical vigilance.

Dr. Ryan emphasized that while pets provide important social benefits, dog bites are a preventable source of injury. She noted the surprising rise in rabies prevention treatments and highlighted that children from rural counties are over‑represented relative to overall ED utilization, underscoring geographic disparities.

The findings point to urgent opportunities for targeted prevention campaigns, school‑based education, and community‑level interventions focused on high‑risk groups and seasonal peaks. Reducing bite incidents could lower healthcare expenditures and mitigate public‑health concerns around infectious disease prophylaxis.

Original Description

Leticia Ryan, chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Child Injury Prevention Network, discusses her presentation, which examines emergency department visits for dog bites among children and adolescents age 19 and younger across Maryland. The findings from this research were presented at the 2026 Society for the Advancement of Violence and Injury Research Conference. #SAVIR2026 #researchsaveschildren https://www.hopkinschildrens.org/emergencymedicine