What to do when bitten by a possum
Possums are animals native to Australia and America. They belong to the family of marsupial (members of the mammalian class). Most of the young possums are carried in a pouch, just like a kangaroo. Possums originated in South America and later entered North America. Possums can live in various regions with unpleasant conditions as well. Due to their biology, flexible diet, and reproductive behaviour, they can survive and conquer diverse locations.
Are possums dangerous?
Possums variously benefit humans. Some people even keep them as pets since they help in keeping pest numbers low. By scaring them off, possums can reduce the number of unwanted rodents or even snakes in close vicinity.
Even though possums are non-aggressive and nocturnal animals, they can still be nuisances by digging holes in the garbage and wrecking your backyard and sometimes might even attack if provoked or annoyed in any manner. Only in rare cases do possums attack and that is to defend themselves from harm. Otherwise, they would act dead to keep itself safe from predators.
Being bit by a possum
Although it is a rare case, however, if you do get bit by a possum, it is important to know that possums may carry certain diseases with them which must be treated instantly. Diseases like
1. Tuberculosis
2. Fever
3. Tularemia
4. Chagas disease
5. Various infections
6. Rabies – although it is very unlikely for that to happen
See the doctor
One of the most important things you might want to do instantly is to get doctors’ advice on the bite. Inspecting how deep the bite is, the doctor would always give a better and efficient solution. The doctor would even examine and see whether you need to get injected for tetanus or not.
Treatment
For urgent scenarios, you can even treat this yourself.
1. Clean the bite from any debris or object that might harm or worsen the wound.
2. If there is any bleeding, it must be stopped immediately. Use clean cloth, tissue or absorbents to wash out the blood.
3. The next step is to wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and warm water
4. Apply antiseptics on the wound. Perfume can be a good alternative for short-term purposes. Antiseptics are useful to avoid infections.
5. Cover the wound with a bandage
Look for infections
It is very important to look for any signs of infections after being bit by a possum. The symptoms indicate reddish skin, rash, heat, swelling around the wound.
Remain calm
It is important to stay calm during the treatment process to avoid any mishandling which may worsen the wound
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