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Office of Communicable Diseases
3 Capitol Hill
Room 106
Phone: (401) 222-2577
Fax: (401) 222-2488
711 (RI Relay)
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Animal Bites and Rabies
What to do if you are Bitten by an Animal
Any time a warm-blooded animal (such as a dog, cat, skunk, fox, bat, etc) bites a person, there is a danger that the animal may be infected with rabies. Take the following precautions:
Immediately and thoroughly wash the wound with plenty of soap and warm water. The idea is to remove as much dirt and saliva—and therefore, bacteria—as possible. It may hurt to scrub a wound, but an infection will hurt a lot more. Scrub it well and run water over it for several minutes to make sure it is clean and all soap is rinsed out.
Follow the washing with an antiseptic solution, such as iodine or other disinfectant, but always wash with soap and water first. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with gauze or a bandage .
If the wound is severe, or if you have any of the risk factors listed below, seek medical advice at once . Your doctor may want you to take antibiotics to prevent infection from developing. If you have not had a recent tetanus booster, you may be advised to take one .
If you are bitten by a wild or stray animal that could have rabies, you may need to begin anti-rabies treatment. (See How to Prevent Rabies).
Call the Department of Health (222-2577) and the animal control officer at the police department to report the incident. Provide the authorities with an accurate description of the animal (including distinctive markings, not just color and breed).
If you have any of the risk factors listed below, particularly if you have had your spleen removed, it is very important that you take proper immediate care of any animal bite wound and promptly seek medical advice. |
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How do I know if I am at risk for infection?
- Anyone who is bitten by a cat or a dog and who does not take proper care of the wound is at risk of developing infection.
- Are you over 50 years of age?
- Do you have diabetes, circulatory problems, liver disease, alcoholism, or HIV/AIDS?
- Have you had a mastectomy or organ transplant?
- Are you taking chemotherapy or long-term steroids?
- Have you had your spleen removed?
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