CUTS OR BITES

If An Animal Bites Someone, What Should You Do?

Call the Health Department to report all animal bites to Rabies Control at 724-5970.

Call your doctor for medical advice. Rabies shots maybe necessary.

To avoid infection, wash the wound and, if possible, soak it two to three times a day for 20 minutes with warm soapy water.
Do not soak it if the doctor has put in stitches. Keep the stitches clean and dry.
Aspirin or Tylenol® will help relieve the pain. (Do not give aspirin to babies, small children, and teenagers unless recommended by your doctor.)

Call your doctor if:

there is a bite on the face or neck.
the wound is on the hand or face and it is more than just a scrape or scratch.
there are signs of infection like redness, drainage, or pus, warmth and increasing pain.
you need a tetanus shot. If it has been longer that 5 years since your last tetanus shot, you may need one. This should be given within 24-30 hours after the injury occurs. Call your doctor to get advice and to make an appointment.
you need stitches. Many bites and cuts do not need stitches. Puncture wounds from animal bites or from stepping on nails and minor scrapes, do not need stitches but may require attention for rabies or tetanus. If you are uncertain about a fairly deep or long wound, call your doctor. If they are needed, stitches should be done within six to eight hours after the injury.