[Rat bite: perceptions and attitudes in vulnerable populations]

Synanthropic rodents of the genus Rattus are reservoirs of different zoonotic bacteria, such as Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus. These are mainly transmitted by bites and can cause an infection called rat bite fever, which, if not treated quickly, can cause death. Given that currently the rat bite accident is not a mandatory notification event within the health system of the City of Buenos Aires, there is no record of it.

In order to obtain information about the problem, a survey was carried out through an interview to investigate variables of perception and attitudes in relation to rat bites in slums of the City of Buenos Aires.

A total of 1053 surveys carried out between 2021 and 2023 were analysed. Of the people surveyed, 10 stated that they or a member of their family had been bitten by rats within the last 5 years. The 50% of those injured did not make any medical consultation after the bite. Likewise, of the total number of respondents, 79% consider a rat bite as a health problem, 94% would go to a health facility if they were bitten, and the percentage increases to 99% if the person bitten were a child.

It is suggested to develop information campaigns in relation to rodent control and the necessary measures to prevent entry into homes, as well as for the prevention of diseases transmitted by them.