Bites: Animal, Bats, and Insects

Animal bites

Animal bites can lead to infection, tetanus and rabies. Call Gannett at 255-5155 for information on how to take care of yourself if an animal bites you. Bites are often treated with antibiotics to prevent infection. A Tetanus booster is also recommended if it has been more than 5 years since your last one. It is important to find out if the biting animal has been vaccinated against rabies. If the animal is a pet, do your best to get the name, address and phone number of the pet owner. Wash the wound with lots of soap and water and seek prompt medical attention.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases and the New York State Department of Health provide additional information about rabies.

Bats

Some bats carry rabies. Even waking up with a bat in your bedroom is considered to be a potential exposure to rabies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend post exposure rabies treatment if the bat is rabid or cannot be tested. Please be sure not to destroy, dispose of, or release a bat that may have exposed you to rabies. Call Gannett for advice. Testing the bat for rabies can save you from needing treatment.

The New York State Department of Health provides additional information about how to deal with bats in your living space

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Insects 

The majority of insects in Central New York are not problematic and do not typically require medical treatment. That said, some added information about bees and mosquitos may be helpful.

Bees

Bee stings are always painful, but they do not typically require medical attention. However, some people have severe allergy to bee stings. If you were just stung and have a history of allergic reactions to bee stings, the situation can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical attention.

People with known allergies to insect stings should always carry an insect sting allergy kit and wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace stating their allergy. Talk with a Gannett clinician about getting either of these.

There are several signs of an allergic reaction to bee stings. Look for swelling that moves to other parts of the body, especially the face or neck. Check for difficulty in breathing, wheezing, dizziness or a drop in blood pressure. Get the person immediate medical care if any of these signs are present. It is normal for the area that has been stung to hurt, have a hard swollen lump, get red and itch.

If you're not certain if the reaction you are having to a bee sting is normal, please call Gannett for medical consultation at 255-5155.

Mosquitoes

While most mosquitoes in Central New York are harmless, some carry West Nile Virus. There is no way to determine which mosquitos are carriers, so the best way to prevent the disease is to prevent mosquito bites. Cover your skin, and consider using insect repellant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health provide information about the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of West Nile Virus.