This incident comes weeks after a tragic case at Indore’s MY Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, where two newborns in the NICU allegedly died after being bitten by rats.
Mumbai: In a shocking incident, two elderly patients were severely bitten by rats within 24 hours at the Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and Cooper Hospital in Mumbai.
On Thursday early morning, 64-year-old Indumati Kadam from Andheri was attacked by a rat that gnawed her hand so badly that the bone was exposed. The very next day, on Friday morning, 80-year-old Husain Bano, admitted in the same ward, was bitten on her leg.
This incident comes weeks after a tragic case at Indore’s MY Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, where two newborns in the NICU allegedly died after being bitten by rats. While the families blamed the rodent attack, hospital authorities attributed the deaths to severe illnesses and infections.
Health Risks of Rat Bites, Precautions & Treatments
“Rat bites are not only painful but also carry the risk of serious infections, most notably rat-bite fever (RBF), along with other dangerous diseases,” according to Dr. Deepak Baid of Nulife Hospital in Mumbai.
Rat-bite fever: This is the most common risk and is a bacterial infection spread by rodent bites or scratches. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting and diarrhea, rashes on hand and legs and joint pain.
Immediate First Aid
To treat a bite, Dr. Baid advised to clean it immediately with soap and warm water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. Seek prompt medical attention for any rat bite and take a tetanus shots, as if untreated can lead to serious complications.
Precautions
- Avoid direct contact with rodents.
- Keep surroundings clean and free of rodent infestations.
- Use proper pest control methods.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing.
Rat bites should never be ignored. Quick first aid and timely medical care can prevent infections and protect your health.
