People often talk about how clean dogs’ mouths are, but the truth is that they can carry some significant bacteria and diseases. One of the rare infections that you must watch out for with any kind of dog bite is the capnocytophaga infection. Though it is extremely rare, this infection can lead to death.
The infection is caused by the capnocytophaga canimorsus organism, which is usually found in dogs. More interestingly, the bites that cause this infection can be minor or significant, so that smaller bite wound that you suffered should always be cleaned out appropriately and monitored.
After you suffer a dog bite, you always need to seek medical attention. Capnocytophaga can cause septicemia, which can lead to death. Statistically, around 30% of the people who develop an infection from capnocytophaga end up dying from the infection.
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF THIS INFECTION?
Common signs of infection include:
- Fever and chills, especially when combined with other symptoms;
- Red or swollen patches that are linked up to or close to the bite. If you have a rash or redness stemming from the site of any bite wound, you need to seek medical care immediately;
- Headaches;
- Myalgias, or pain in the muscles.
Is it important to get medical care no matter how minor a bite. If the bite broke your skin, then there is a risk of infection. Wash out the wound and seek professional medical care as soon as you can afterward. You may need to start a course of antibiotics and other medications. If you develop this infection, it can be costly to treat and life-threatening. The dog’s owner should be held responsible for anything that happens next.