Wright-Patt Community Health Clinic stresses proper care and treatment of animal bites

  • Published
  • By Mark C. Lyle
  • 88th Air Base Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The Wright-Patt Medical Center Public Health clinic has seen an increase in animal bites and would like to get the word out to teach people proper care for these types of injuries.

 

The odds of a person becoming a victim of an animal bite are three in one, according to the Center for Disease Control.

 

Animal bites can lead to serious infection and even rabies if not properly treated. Immediate medical care should be sought out upon being bitten by an animal.

 

The main concern with a bite is infection. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the open skin and begin growing.

 

Infections can cause pain, damage to tissue and can be life-threatening. Rabies is a rare but potentially fatal infection that may be contracted when bitten by an infected animal.

  

Millions of animal bites occur in the U.S. each year. Dog bites are the most common type of bite seen in the Wright-Patt Medical Center emergency room, said Airman 1st Class Levi Noga, Public Health technician, at the Wright-Patt Medical Center.

Other types of bites can come from include animals such as cats, bats, squirrels, mole and rabbits. Bite wounds can range from minor to life threatening.

“When bites go untreated the skin heals over the bite, leaving the bacteria inside,” said Noga. “Proper treatment often can help to prevent and minimize the risk of infection.”

The type of animal bite and location bitten determines how seriousness the injury is.  Additionally, objects stuck in the wound can contribute to infection.

Lack of a tetanus shot within the last five years significantly increases the risk of contracting tetanus.

Human bites also contain bacteria and carry a much higher risk of infection. These infections can advances quickly and result in serious medical problems, so early treatment is necessary.

If you are bitten by an animal, “try to identify the type of animal and the behavior it exhibits,” suggest Noga.

Treatment and follow-up care is always recommended in cases of bites to ensure that infection is controlled or has not developed.

For additional information on animal bites, contact the Wright-Patt Medical Center Community Health Clinic at 937-257-0098.