Managing Human Bites

Children in child care centres sometimes bite. Most bites do not break the skin and are harmless. School boards may have protocols for managing human bites in schools.

What are the risks of bites?

Bites in child care centres almost never become infected. Serious bites are unusual in child care centres.

We know from surveys of child care centres that most bites happen in September, at the beginning of the child care year. Toddlers (ages 13 – 24 months) are bitten most often, usually on the arms or face. Only one bite in 50 breaks the skin.

Hepatitis & HIV Infections

The routine vaccination of infants and children against hepatitis B virus means that the risk of infection with hepatitis B from a bite is very low.

If a bite breaks the skin, the hepatitis B virus may pass from one child to another. The hepatitis B virus does not pass through normal, unbroken skin.

See a doctor if a child who is NOT vaccinated against hepatitis:

Is bitten and the skin is broken
Bites another child and gets blood in their mouth

It is very unlikely that HIV will be transmitted through a bite in a child care centre or school, even when the skin is broken. Treating a child with anti-HIV drugs is not usually recommended.

How to care for a bite injury

If the skin is NOT broken

Gently clean the injury with soap and water.
Cover with a cold, clean cloth or pad to help reduce swelling.
Comfort the child.

If the skin IS broken

Let the injury bleed gently.
Clean the injury carefully with soap and water.
Cover with a cold, clean cloth or pad to help reduce swelling.
Comfort the child.
Apply a band-aid or dressing to cover the wound.
Notify the parents.
Child care centre management must report the incident to the Licensing Officer.

What to do at home

If your child is bitten and the skin is broken:

Check whether your child has been vaccinated against tetanus and hepatitis B, and are up-to-date.
Watch the injury for a few days. Call your doctor if the bite area gets red or swollen.

If your child's vaccinations are not up to date, talk with your doctor or Public Health Nurse about tetanus and hepatitis B shots.