What to do if bitten by a hamster and it draws blood

Oct 23, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Haiying

Introduction

In general, after being bitten and bleeding by a hamster, the wound should be rinsed immediately and appropriate measures taken to stop the bleeding. Note that hamster teeth may carry pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, which could lead to infection following a bite. Therefore, it is important to seek prompt medical attention for injections of tetanus vaccine and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) vaccine, among others.

Generally, if bitten by a hamster and bleeding occurs, the wound should be flushed immediately and appropriate measures taken to stop the bleeding. Specific steps are as follows:

1. Turn on the tap and rinse the wound thoroughly with running water. Gently squeeze the wound for 5–10 minutes while rinsing to help expel any potentially contaminated blood.

2. Use clean paper towels or a towel to dry the hand completely, keeping it dry.

3. Prepare disinfecting supplies such as povidone-iodine, alcohol, or saline solution, and open their lids.

4. Use tweezers to hold a cotton ball, dip it into a small amount of povidone-iodine, alcohol, or saline solution, and thoroughly disinfect the affected area.

5. Then gently press the wound with a clean gauze pad or tissue until the bleeding stops.

Note: A hamster's teeth may carry bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens. Being bitten and drawing blood from a hamster may lead to infection. Under a doctor’s guidance, it may be necessary to receive tetanus vaccine, hemorrhagic fever vaccine (for renal syndrome), or other treatments.

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