Petco Sued After Child Dies From Infected Rat

[pitbulllady]

I would like to know why the rat bit the child ?? Further more why they bought a rat that would bite ??
Also is there evidence that the illness was definitely caused by the rat or circumstance.?
I've had pet rats as far back as I can remember and I still have rats that frequently play with kids.
This event is definitely unfortunate and sad; I just hate to see one of the best pets a child can have to
get even more of a bad reputation.
I don't want to think how horrible it is to lose a child to anything. So I also understand blame or
seeking retribution of some kind.

Rats do not have to bite or scratch in order to transmit RBF, actually. It can and most often IS transmitted not via a bite, but through contact with urine and feces of infected rodents, in spite of the common name of the disease. It can also be transmitted via any break in the skin, from some other source, that is exposed to the bacteria, which can survive on non-organic surfaces. We know that most 10-year-old boys are probably going to have their share of scrapes and scratches, and if the rat walked across one of those, even a minor scratch that the kid probably took no notice of, that can result in infection. Even a scratch from the rat's nails as it climbs around and plays on its owner can produce a channel for the infection to enter the person's body. BUT, none of that explains or answers several key questions that I already brought up, and it would be prudent for Petco's legal defense to bring these questions up. DID the child actually die from RBF or was the fatal condition completely unrelated to the rat being infected with the bacteria, and WHY did the child die so quickly from an infection that in most cases, spontaneously clears up and can be handled by most people's natural immune system, or in any case which responds very well to common broad-spectrum antibiotics? There are many things here which do not add up. Exposure to the Streptobaccillus bacteria is VERY common, whether or not you own rodents. At some point in your life, you've been exposed to it and probably did not even know it because your immune system took care of it. In the case of actual clinical illness, this is not an infection that rapidly progresses to the point of such extreme acute conditions as to cause rapid death, although it certainly CAN be lethal. Fatalities occur when the disease is left untreated and allowed to progress over a period of several days. One of the key symptoms is a very noticeable skin rash and boils, none of which were mentioned with this ten-year-old boy, and symptoms clear up very quickly once antibiotic regimen, which is normal protocol upon anyone presenting with high fever, elevated WBC and especially abdominal pains, is started. There was no progression with this kid. He got violently sick very quickly, and was dead within a few hours of onset even though he was at a hospital. None of that is the least bit consistent with RBF.

pitbulllady

 

[The Snark]

Just to make people nervous... One of the commonest sources of bacterial infections like this is from.... drum roll please....

pop top beverage cans. Stored in warehouses (which are not required to be rodent free), the trinkets are deposited on the tops of exposed beverage cans. How many people diligently sterilize that little metal tab that dips into your drink? How many food service persons do same?

With just a hint of rat poo, for flavor!

---------- Post added 03-03-2014 at 09:50 AM ----------

I don't want to think how horrible it is to lose a child to anything. So I also understand blame or
seeking retribution of some kind.

Come along on a trip in the life of the emergency services responder. Ah! The joys of child vs vehicle! The massive lacerations and contusions, the unexpected high speed trips through windshields or into the dash boards. The amputations and decapitations! The ingested poisons. Oh yes... and of course the infections. We must seek revenge whenever possible! Sue those dirty mofos into the dust!

Speaking from the medics point of view, it would be so much nicer if people made an effort at getting real. Assumed responsibility. Used common sense. Be practical. We would be absolutely delighted if we had to sit on our hands in the barn a lot more even if we are making less money. The medical profession is there to assist you all it can, but we would rather not be the catch-all people go running to after they do some incredible moron move. And of course, we get to get sued as well when things go to **** in spite of all our efforts and training. Rats are dirty. Your body in a vehicle is scientifically called a projectile. It really sucks to try and establish an airway when the patient just has a bloody pulp for a face. And so on.
rant over.

 

[Hanska]

I would like to know why the rat bit the child ?? Further more why they bought a rat that would bite ??
Also is there evidence that the illness was definitely caused by the rat or circumstance.?
I've had pet rats as far back as I can remember and I still have rats that frequently play with kids.
This event is definitely unfortunate and sad; I just hate to see one of the best pets a child can have to
get even more of a bad reputation.

This.
I never quarantee that something with a mouth won't bite, but as a rule of thumb, responsibly bred and kept rats don't bite.

Hanska, petshop worker, rat breeder

And yes, I constantly kiss mine...

 

[The Snark]

This.
I never quarantee that something with a mouth won't bite, but as a rule of thumb, responsibly bred and kept rats don't bite.

Hanska, petshop worker, rat breeder

And yes, I constantly kiss mine...

And they are guaranteed free of all diseases and bacteria. After 8 to 24 hours in an autoclave.

 

[skar]

I don't understand your logic ..
Bacteria and disease is on everything and every one good and/or bad.
It only causes a problem with an infection usually a break in the skin or mucous membrane.
I also see your post of mva and people being stupid and having to save them a bit off key and
offensive. I work with these people as well. I don't see any likeness to your thoughts on the matter.
Do you think people shouldn't drive because you might have to clean up and save their lives at fault or not ?
Weird. Placing blame and seeking retribution for lost LOVED ones I believe is reasonable. That's on the court
to decide if it's viable.

 

[SamuraiSid]

I think TheSnark is trying to say that intentional ignorance is the root cause of a lot of pain, suffering and misery. At least thats how I take it.



And regarding the scenario where a good and resourceful lawyer can prove anything, Id have to agree. I wont spiral out of control with a, "This is why our legal system sucks" rant.