While Connecticut residents know that rabies can be incurred after a dog bite, they may not realize that there are other diseases they can receive. It is important to understand which illnesses someone may have after a dog bite so people can seek medical attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a dog bite can spread bacteria which make humans sick. This occurs in 18 percent of bites. Sometimes these bacteria are not harmful to animals, making it difficult to tell if a dog is carrying it. One bacteria is related to Staph infections. People who receive this during a dog bite may have infections in their lungs or skin. One of the most common bacteria to infect dog bites is Pasteurella. People may experience swollen glands, and the bacteria usually results in an infected bite. Someone who has a weakened immune system may be more likely to become seriously ill.
While people may associate tetanus with rusty nails, someone may also develop this disease after being bitten by a dog. Healthline.com says that tetanus can sometimes be a complication of infected bites. People may want to receive a tetanus vaccination after a dog bite if they cannot remember when they were last immunized because this illness does not have a known cure. If people develop tetanus, they will usually experience spasms or still muscles or have problems swallowing.
Because these diseases are usually complications of a dog bite, it is important for people to recognize when their injury becomes worse. People generally need further medical attention if they experience new symptoms or if their symptoms disappear and then return.
