Mouse bites can occur, particularly among infants and young children. This is because their skin and muscles are tender, often carrying a strong milky smell that attracts mice. Additionally, infants lack the ability to defend themselves, making them susceptible to bites while sleeping. Adults, on the other hand, are usually bitten when trying to catch or chase mice, especially when the rodent feels cornered or is captured.
Symptoms of Mouse Bites:
Local Symptoms:
- Small wound at the bite site
- Redness, swelling, pain, and heat indicating infection
Systemic Symptoms:
- General fatigue
- Recurrent fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
Emergency First Aid Steps:
- Clean the Wound: Immediately rinse the wound with clean water and squeeze out any contaminated blood. Disinfect the wound with hydrogen peroxide.
- Local Treatment: Clean fresh mint leaves, crush them to extract the juice, and apply it to the affected area. This can help relieve pain, itching, and swelling.
Summary:
Emergency Steps for Treating Mouse Bites in Children and Adults