When Children BiteIs there a risk that the bite wound might become infected? Is there a risk that the bite wound might become infected?It is very rare that a bite wound from a child will become infected. Most child bites are harmless and do not break the skin. If the skin is broken and proper care is provided, the risk of infection is very low. Bites that become infected usually come from adults who are fighting. Can a child get Hepatitis B from a bite?It is extremely unlikely for a child to transmit Hepatitis B through a bite. Only a bite that breaks the skin can transmit Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is occasionally transmitted when a person is in contact with the blood or saliva of a person who already has Hepatitis B. Children do not normally have Hepatitis B. A child who has received their Hepatitis B vaccine is considered immune to the Hepatitis B virus. The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered free of charge to children in Grade 7 as part of routine childhood immunization. If you would like to have your child receive the Hepatitis B earlier than Grade 7, please speak to your family doctor. Can a child get Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) from a bite?HIV cannot be passed on by saliva alone, therefore transmission of HIV through a bite is extremely unlikely. A child would have to be in contact with HIV-infected blood for transmission of HIV to occur through a bite. Children do not typically have HIV. “Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2006). How do I care for a bite wound?If the skin is not broken, clean the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to soothe the child. If the skin is broken:
For further information, call Ottawa Public Health, Communicable Disease Program at 613-580-6744, ext. 24224, or visit one of the web sites listed below: |
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