How Bad is a Squirrel Bite?
If you’ve ever wondered, “How bad is a squirrel bite?”, you’re not alone. In fact, a squirrel’s bite can be one of the most painful experiences you’ll ever have. Learn the signs of rabies, tetanus, or leptospirosis, as well as treatment options. Here are some tips:
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Symptoms of rabies
Symptoms of rabies after obtaining a bite from a squirrel may include fever, disorientation, and confusion. A patient may also have swollen lymph glands, a skin ulcer, or even headaches. Treatment for tularemia involves antibiotics. However, rabies is rare in squirrels and rarely infects humans. In the early stages, the disease may only result in a headache and fever, but in later stages it can progress to confusion, paralysis, and death. Fortunately, treatment is simple and can begin within a few days.
Squirrels have sharp claws that allow them to climb, jump, and grab surfaces. If you have a pet squirrel, it’s important to keep your distance to avoid getting scratched. While most squirrels are harmless, tame ones may scratch you unnecessarily. If you’re not comfortable with getting scratched, don’t get a pet squirrel.
Symptoms of tetanus
A 7-year-old boy presented to the emergency room with fever, cough, difficulty with oral feeds, and aggressive behavior. He was previously normal, but started acting aggressively after being given oral fluids. The boy had a history of a squirrel bite on his right leg two months previously. The doctor administered an injection of tetanus toxoid.
In most cases, a tetanus shot is not necessary. However, the injection of rabies immune globulin is sometimes helpful. To determine whether this shot is appropriate for your situation, speak with a medical professional. If you think the animal was biting you, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The doctor will examine the wound, clean it thoroughly, and administer a tetanus shot, if necessary.
Symptoms of leptospirosis
In the United Kingdom, leptospirosis is a relatively rare disease. People who live in tropical areas or participate in water sports are at greater risk. Infections caused by this bacteria are also rare in non-tropical countries. However, some people may be at high risk of developing leptospirosis because they spend a lot of time outside or work with animals.
If you’ve been bitten by a squirrel, it’s possible to contract Lyme disease from its feces. Inflammation and fever are common symptoms, as are abdominal pain and diarrhea. You may also contract tularemia from the bite, or by coming into contact with the squirrel’s urine. In severe cases, the infection can progress to lung complications.
The bacteria carried by squirrels may cause a range of symptoms in humans, including fever, weakness, and joint and nerve pain. Other symptoms can include heart palpitations, arthritis, and face palsy. Treatment for this disease depends on the severity of your condition. In severe cases, leptospirosis may even cause death. Treatment for leptospirosis after a squirrel bite may involve prescription antibiotics.
Treatment options
Squirrels are not usually aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened or frightened. They also have bacteria in their mouths which can cause an infection if they aren’t clean. To prevent infection, wash the affected area with water and soap. You should apply rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the wound and call a doctor if you suspect it is a rabies outbreak.
Although it is rare for humans to contract rabies from a squirrel bite, it is important to visit your doctor. Squirrels can carry various diseases and may even transmit the disease through ticks. These diseases cause inflammation, stiffness, and nerve pain. Other diseases caused by rodents include leptospirosis, salmonella bacteria, and tularemia. Leptospirosis is caused by an infection with a parasite called Baylisascaris and affects human organs. It can lead to nausea, lack of coordination, and loss of attention.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.