In Iligan City, a baby was bitten by a rat while sleeping beside her mother. Zyrabelle Sacay, the mother, discovered blood on the sheets and found that her one-year-old daughter, Jezelle, was bleeding from her foot due to the rat bite.
Immediate Medical Response
Jezelle was promptly taken to the emergency room, where she was administered paracetamol and amoxicillin to address the swelling. Despite being vaccinated against tetanus, Zyrabelle expressed concern about the possibility of rabies from the rat bite. However, Kuya Kim on “24 Oras” reassured viewers that rats rarely carry rabies and are not common transmitters of the disease compared to dogs, cats, and bats.
Risks Associated with Rat Bites
Although rats are not typically rabies carriers, their bites can still pose significant health risks. Dr. Rafael Cabo-Chan Martires, a general medicine practitioner, emphasized that tetanus, a dangerous infection, can result from rat bites due to the bacteria found in dirty environments such as soil and mud.
“Rats are indeed dirty, so it’s common for them to carry bacteria. Even a small wound can lead to a tetanus infection, which is very dangerous,” Dr. Martires explained.
Proper Treatment for Rat Bites
Dr. Martires advised that proper treatment of a rat bite includes applying pressure to the bleeding area and thoroughly washing the wound with soap and water. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, especially for those who have not been vaccinated against tetanus, to receive the necessary vaccination.
Additional Health Warnings
Kuya Kim also highlighted that rats can spread leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria. This infection can be transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals or through contaminated soil, water, and food. Leptospirosis can lead to severe health issues such as kidney damage, meningitis, and liver failure.
During the rainy season, the public is advised to avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters, particularly if they have open wounds, and to wear protective gear like boots to prevent infection.