Rabies is not the only fatal disease that can be transmitted through Wisconsin dog bites. According to the 2009 study, Bite-Related and Septic Syndromes Caused by Cats and Dogs, bites and scratches from both dogs and cats have the potential transmit potentially fatal MRSA infections.

According to the authors of the study, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections from pet bites are increasing. This is because MRSA is easily transmitted from humans to dogs and from dogs to humans, so as MRSA becomes more common in humans, it is also becoming more common in pets.

Most staph infections are easily treated; however, the antibiotic-resistant strain of staph bacteria that causes MRSA is very difficult to treat. About ten percent of dogs carrying staph bacteria carry the MRSA strain. A MRSA skin infection can be passed from a dog to a human through any type of skin to skin contact, especially if the skin is broken from a bite or scratch.

As a skin infection, signs of MRSA include small red bumps or pimples that can quickly become fluid-filled abscesses that must be surgically drained. When MRSA from a dog bite infects the blood stream, the bacteria can cause fatal infections in the bones, joints, heart and lungs. 

Dog bites pose a risk of many types of infection, not just MRSA. After any Wisconsin dog bite, it is important to get immediate medical care in order to prevent all types of infection.

Dog owners are responsible for making sure that their pets don’t pose a danger to the public. If you or your loved one suffered a dog bite in Wisconsin, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering and other expenses related to your injury. To learn more, contact the Green Bay dog bite attorneys at Hupy and Abraham by calling 800-800-5678.