Squirrels can be found not only in the forest, but also in summer cottages or in the city park. Elena Popova, Deputy Director General for Medical Activities and Chief Physician of INVITRO-Stavropol LLC, told socialbites.ca what diseases can be transmitted by a squirrel.
According to the expert, squirrels not only carry rabies, but also theoretically leptospirosis and tularemia.
“To date, there is no effective treatment for rabies. That is, the development of the disease inevitably leads to the death of the patient, the mortality rate is 100%. Timely administration of the rabies vaccine and the combined administration of the vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin in severe animal bites can prevent the development of rabies. How much for these vaccines The earlier it is started, the greater the chance of success. Antibodies are produced within 12-14 days after the administration of the vaccine, ”explained the expert.
Leptospirosis is an acute infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. The disease is characterized by damage to capillaries, often damage to the liver, kidneys, muscles, intoxication and persistent fever. Its incidence is high. More than half of cases are severe and require resuscitation.
“Squirrels living in big cities are very different in behavior from forest dwellers. They interact with a person differently and can correct their behavior. However, they are physiologically different from their forest relatives. They have a different diet – more food, but there are almost no nuts in the diet. In other words, in the forest there is nowhere for a squirrel to get “bread and butter”, but in the city one will treat you, and in the garbage you can find various scraps of food all year round. warned.
After a squirrel bite, you should immediately contact the nearest medical facility or emergency room. The victim should report the squirrel bite and be vaccinated against rabies.
“We must not forget that no animal should be fed in the summer. For example, squirrels eat greens in the summer (coniferous seeds, leaves, etc.), and if we feed them seeds and / or nuts, and it is fatty foods that they should not eat this summer, then squirrels against the background Such a diet sits on the liver. In winter, animals can and should even be fed. Proteins can be given seeds (not fried), nuts (walnuts, pine nuts), carrots, apples, oatmeal. Although it may seem like fun, it is impossible to feed squirrels to children, especially from the palm of your hand. Remember that not all infections are transmitted to humans from squirrels and other wild animals, but various diseases can be transmitted from person to animal. That is, such cross-contamination should not be allowed, ”warned Popova.
Formerly socialbites.ca Wrote about how to distinguish a runny nose from allergies and SARS.