Dog bites can lead to a variety of serious injuries. Broken bones, nerve and tissue damage, scarring and other serious injuries may impact a person’s life long after the initial incident. Unfortunately, even if a person’s injury initially seems minor, injured people may still face another challenge: infections. What types of infections might people experience after a dog bite?
Pasteurella
Pasteurella is a prevalent cause of infected animal bites. One article from the New England Journal of Medicine found that this type of bacteria was present in around half of infected dog bites. These bacteria can cause redness, swelling around the wound and shortness of breath and put injured people at risk of more serious complications.
Rabies
People could become infected with rabies, a disease that impacts the brain and nervous system, by coming into contact with the saliva of an infected animal. It is important for people who may have been exposed to rabies to seek medical attention to prevent the disease from taking hold.
Capnocytophaga
Capnocytophaga bacteria often live in the mouths of household pets. A bite or scratch can lead these bacteria to enter the wound, potentially causing an infection. These infections can cause various symptoms, including redness, swelling, pain and blisters around the infected wound.
Staphylococcus or Streptococcus
Studies have identified Streptococcus, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other Staphylococcus bacteria as the second most common bacteria present in dog bite wounds. These infections can lead to sores, swelling and pain, with more serious infections putting injured people at risk of the infection entering their bloodstream or lungs.
Because these infections can significantly impact a person’s health, it is essential to seek immediate guidance after a dog bite. Medical providers can help you prevent or treat infections, and an attorney can help you explore your legal options.