Roommate got bit by a wild dog...

[skypilot]

...in Puerto Rico on Friday. It was his first day there. Apparently, there are packs of wild dogs (satos) roaming around in some places and my roommate encountered a pack outside his hotel. Had to spend four hours in the ER on Friday and then went back today because he didn't think the wound seemed to be healing right but he says labs and x-rays look ok and he's on two antibiotics.
I think he should get rabies shots when he gets home. I told him this but I don't want to press the issue too much and cause him a lot of anxiety. Doctor at the PR hospital said the main vectors for rabies there are mongoose and bats but I can't help worrying about what the dog that bit my roommate might have come in contact with while living outside. Anyway, I guess I DO want to press the issue of rabies shots because the thought of anything that even looks like a symptom will put me on edge since the onset of any symptoms means it's too late.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. He should get rabies shots *now.* Not when he gets home. Right now.

[LisaL]

4. Yea, the sooner the better.

Once the symptoms start it's too late.

[Dan]

2. Man, if it was me, I'd get the rabies shot even if they had to

Administer them through my penis.

[LisaL]

3. He definitely should get rabies shots.

Dogs can carry rabies, even if the main carriers there aren't dogs.

[skypilot]

5. Thanks everyone.

I have already leaned on him a bit but I held back a bit because he was on vacation. He is leaving tonight and should be home early tomorrow morning. I will definitely lean on him much more.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. No he should go to an ER and get the shots *NOW*

[Bayard]

8. I agree with everyone else--Emergency Rabies Shot

My last blacksmith was driving down the interstate, and a bat flew in his window. He didn't get bit, but doctors still insisted he get the rabies shots right away.

Don't FAFO.

[Dr. Shepper]

9. He needs rabies shots

No question. And tetanus shot too.

ETA any mammal can get rabies so I am not buying only the mongoose and bat are vectors. It may be strains specific to their species but again any mammal can get rabies.

[skypilot]

13. He did get a tetanus shot.

Just spoke to him and he is going to get a rabies shot also, but not until he gets home tomorrow.

[a kennedy]

10. Curious.....what did he have to pay at the hospital????? and sorry, feel terrible for all the crap he has to go

through. Wishing him good healing, AND A fast recovery.

[skypilot]

12. I didn't think to ask him that.

Seems he had a good time, aside from the bite, and doesn't feel as though his vacation was ruined. I just got off the phone with him and he assured me that he is going to get a rabies shot when he gets home. His flight from PR leaves tonight and he has a lot of balls in the air getting ready to come home so I don't think he can fit in another trip to the hospital. Ideally, he would be able to.

[MagickMuffin]

11. I believe a friend of mine died because his dog bit him, he didn't get it looked at

by any medical professionals. His wife found him on the bathroom floor unconscious. I don't know what his autopsy report indicated what the reason of his death was. It's kinda hard to ask his wife.

I miss him, great photographer and videographer as well. Public Domain clips were one of his specialties.