While a small bite or nip may not seem serious at first glance, bite injuries can lead to serious infections, severe long-term complications, and even life-threatening illnesses. For those working in high-risk workplaces such as hospitals, care units, or special education schools, the dangers are not just hypothetical but an everyday occupational hazard.
In this article, we explore the health risks associated with human bites, how to recognise a potentially infected wound, how to reduce the risk of disease transmission, and other practical steps you can take to stay safe in high-stress work environments.
Why are Human Bites So Dangerous?
Most people might worry more about the obvious dangers of being bitten by an animal rather than being bitten by another person. After all, how bad can a human bite be?
A dog bite, for example, is undeniably stronger than a human bite, with a much higher bite strength on average (at around 235 PSI compared to an average human bite at 162 PSI), plus you’re far more likely to be bitten by an animal than a human, right?
That may be true; however, did you know it’s estimated that over 250,000 human bites occur each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic, in the United States alone?
Human bites can also be more dangerous simply because you’re far more likely to contract an infection through a human bite than a dog bite. According to the National Institute of Health, the reported infection rates from human bites are approximately 20-25% in most cases and are significantly higher than dog bites, which have an infection rate of approximately 10%.
The human mouth is home to hundreds of different bacterial species, many of which can cause aggressive infections if they enter the body through broken skin. Even minor bites can introduce a complex mix of bacteria from the human mouth, often more virulent and diverse than what is found in animal bites.
Even seemingly minor bites should never be ignored, because the risk lies not only in the physical injury, but also in what can be transmitted through it.
Infection Risks and Disease Transmission
Infectious disease is the biggest killer of human beings in the world. It is widely considered that the most dangerous creature in the world is the mosquito because of its ability to spread disease so quickly. While not physically imposing, mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and the Zika virus, which result in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually.
Thankfully, human bites are less serious than malaria or dengue fever; however, the point remains that it is not necessarily the power of the bite that is most dangerous, but the open transmission of bacteria and the risk of infection that make human bites an open breeding ground for disease. So, how do you know if a human bite is infected?
When a human bite breaks the skin, it creates a pathway for bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. These can include:
- Bacterial infections - Common pathogens include:
- Streptococcus - A major human pathogen causing strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, and more severe infections like necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
- Staphylococcus aureus - While often harmless, this bacterium can cause a range of infections, from minor skin problems to serious, life-threatening illnesses such as Pneumonia or endocarditis.
- Eikenella corrodens – this bacterium is part of the normal flora in the mouth and is commonly found in human bite infections. It can cause bloodstream infections, endocarditis, meningitis, sinusitis, thyroid abscess, orbital infections, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis.
Infections contracted from these types of bacteria can progress quickly, leading to swelling, severe pain, and in some cases, tissue death.
- Viral infections
- Hepatitis B and C – both cause liver inflammation and can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, if left untreated.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) - causes oral herpes, genital herpes and infections in other areas of your body. Common symptoms are fluid-filled blisters on the skin, but many people have no symptoms at all.
- HIV (In rare cases) – HIV is spread by infected body fluids getting into your bloodstream. It is most often transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. It can also be spread by sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The overall risk of acquiring HIV from a bite by a person living with HIV is negligible, but the risk is increased by the presence of blood in the saliva and a high viral load of the perpetrator, plus deep wounds being inflicted.
All of these viral infections have been documented as transmissible via human bites.
- Other diseases
- Tetanus, commonly known as Lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system, causing painful muscle spasms and stiffness, primarily in the jaw and neck.
- Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This bacterium causes infection when it enters through broken skin or mucus membranes.
- Tuberculosis (TB), a contagious infection that usually affects the lungs. It is transmitted through the air and spread mainly by coughing or sneezing. While transmission via human bites is extremely low, TB bacteria can be present in saliva and bite wounds.
- Actinomycosis, a rare, chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces bacteria, which are normally found in the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract.
Spotting the Signs of Infection
Human bite injuries are a common injury, roughly accounting for around 0.1% of attendances to Emergency Medicine departments in the UK, according to Science Direct.
During a retrospective study of human bite injuries over four years, it was discovered that out of the 3,136 case notes reviewed, 421 injuries were identified as human bite wounds. This amounts to one human bite injury every three days.
Reviewing the study, it was found that out of the 421 patients inflicted by human bite wounds, 17% did not receive any antibiotics, 21% were not given a tetanus booster when required, and 34% of patients were not given proper treatment for Hepatitis B. Generally, the management of these wounds was found to be poor.
According to Mount Sinai Health, human bites are common among young children, who bite others to express anger or other negative emotions. And statistically, males between 10 and 34 years old are the most likely to be victims of human bites.
A human bite wound can become infected in less than 24 hours if left untreated. Although most bites aren’t usually serious, you should still have any bite that breaks the surface of your skin looked at immediately due to the risk of infection.
Some of the most common signs of infection include:
- Redness and swelling around the wound
- Warmth or throbbing pain in the area
- Swollen lymph nodes near the wound
- Red streaks radiating from the bite
- Fever, chills, and general malaise
- Pus or other bodily discharge
If any of these symptoms appear, the bite should be treated as a medical emergency. It is crucial to seek medical advice if you experience any of these signs after a human bite, especially if the bite is deep, on the hands or feet, or if you have underlying health conditions. Deep or large bites, those on the head, face, neck, hands, or feet, or those showing exposed muscle or bone, also require immediate medical attention.
What to Do Immediately After a Bite
Taking the right steps in the minutes after a bite can significantly reduce the risk of serious infection:
- Clean the wound - wash the bite area thoroughly with warm, soapy water for several minutes. Remove any debris like teeth, hair or dirt from the wound.
- Control the bleeding – if the wound is bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding stops.
- Cover the wound - once the bleeding has stopped and the wound is clean, loosely apply a clean, dry bandage, as tight bandages may restrict blood flow and slow healing.
- Seek medical advice - if the bite has broken the skin, it’s bleeding heavily, or shows early signs of infection, then contact your doctor immediately.
- Monitor for Infection - Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus.
- Tetanus Shot - Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for tetanus boosters or other preventive treatments.
- Antibiotics - Depending on the severity and location of the bite, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat infection.
Real-World Experiences from Teachers and Healthcare Workers
For many education professionals and healthcare workers, the dangers of human bites aren’t hypothetical but a lived experience that leaves both literal and mental scars.
Since BitePRO® was founded over ten years ago, we have spoken with hundreds of doctors, nurses, teachers and carers about their experiences working in high-risk settings, and we’ve heard many stories from those who’ve been physically assaulted while at work.
One teacher working in a special education school was bitten through multiple layers of clothing, resulting in a deep wound that required hospital visits, antibiotics, dressing changes, and a week off work.
Another described repeated bites during a period of heightened behavioural challenges in the classroom, which not only caused physical harm but also led to significant stress and anxiety.
These incidents highlight the dual impact of human bites: the immediate medical risk and the long-term emotional strain on staff.
Protecting Professionals in High-Risk Settings
While it’s impossible to remove all risk, a layered approach to prevention can make a major difference:
- Behavioural risk assessments – Identifying triggers and early warning signs of distress can help staff intervene before a situation escalates.
- De-escalation training – Techniques that prioritise safety, communication, and conflict resolution reduce the likelihood of physical aggression.
- Protective clothing – Bite-resistant arm guards and jackets, such as those designed by BitePRO®, provide discreet but highly effective protection against bites and scratches. These garments can prevent skin penetration altogether, stopping infections before they start.
For schools, care providers, and healthcare facilities, adopting these measures not only safeguards staff but also fosters a safer, calmer environment for everyone involved.
Key takeaways on human bites
Human bites are more than just painful injuries; they carry a serious risk of infection and disease. For professionals in education, healthcare, and care work, understanding these risks is essential. Prompt wound care, early medical intervention, and effective prevention strategies can mean the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury.
BitePRO® Bite Resistant Clothing has been specifically developed for those on the frontline, giving staff the confidence to carry out their roles without fear of injury. By combining protective equipment with behavioural strategies and robust training, organisations can take meaningful steps towards keeping their teams safe.
