Five Diseases You Can Get From a Dog Bite

While many dogs will never bite anyone, some—even friendly ones—will. Many people may not realize the risk that they could be bitten at some point in their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Unfortunately, the victim can suffer pain, injuries like amputation, nerve damage, permanent disfigurement, diseases, or even death.

Five Diseases Transmitted by Dog Bites

When dogs bite, they spread their germs from their mouths to people. While dogs have over 60 kinds of bacteria in their mouths, only a few of these can make a person ill. However, according to the CDC, 18 percent of dog bites become infected with bacteria. That is a huge number considering how many dog bites there are annually.

Some of the diseases that are transmitted by dog bites include:

• Rabies. Rabies is far less common than it was a mere 50 years ago. However, people who have suffered dog attacks should not ignore the possibility of getting this viral disease—especially if the dog was not vaccinated—because rabies affects the brain and is almost always fatal.
• Capnocytophaga. This is a flesh-eating disease. People with weakened immune systems are at high risk from this bacterial infection if they are bitten by a dog.
• Pasteurella. This bacterium is found in over half of dog bites. It can cause a painful, red infection at the wound site, swollen glands and joints, and difficulty moving. It can lead to life-threatening pneumonia. People with a depressed immune system are more likely to suffer complications.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a type of Staph infection that may be dangerous because it typically is resistant to multiple antibiotics. A person can suffer skin, urinary tract, and lung infections that can spread into the bloodstream—and sometimes these infections are fatal.
• Tetanus. If a person has not gotten a recent tetanus booster vaccine, he could suffer an infection causing rigid paralysis, which is more common if the dog bite is deep.

If you or a family member developed a disease from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Call our experienced and compassionate legal team today at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation.