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[Rat bite: perceptions and attitudes in vulnerable populations]
Carina Hercolini1, Fernando Siccardi1, Jimena Vidal1
1Departamento de Control y Prevención de Zoonosis, Instituto de Zoonosis Luis Pasteur, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Medicina
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Rat bite fever is a serious zoonotic disease transmitted by rodents. Many bitten individuals in Buenos Aires do not seek medical care, highlighting a critical public health gap.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Synanthropic rodents (Rattus genus) are reservoirs for zoonotic bacteria like Streptobacillus moniliformis and Spirillum minus.
- Rat bite fever, a potentially fatal infection, is transmitted through rodent bites.
- Rat bite incidents are not mandatory to report in Buenos Aires, leading to a lack of data.
Purpose:
- To investigate public perception and attitudes towards rat bites in Buenos Aires slums.
- To understand the health-seeking behaviors following rat bites.
Summary:
- A survey of 1053 individuals revealed that 10 reported rat bites in the last 5 years.
- Half of those bitten did not seek medical consultation.
- Despite this, 79% recognized rat bites as a health issue, with high intent to seek care (94% generally, 99% for children).
Impact:
- Highlights a significant gap in medical consultation following rat bites.
- Underscores the need for public awareness campaigns on rodent control and disease prevention.
- Informs public health strategies for managing zoonotic disease risks in urban environments.
