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SAN DIEGO – The mother of a Southern California girl diagnosed with a rat bite fever tells her story to educate other parents about the danger.
Rat bites fever is a life-threatening infection transmitted by contact with domestic rats.
Cali, an 8-year-old girl from Menifee, California, contracted the disease when the rat's saliva came into contact with an open wound, according to officials at Rady Children's Hospital. Cali has an eczema on his fingers, which may have contributed to the situation, said a doctor.
Rat Bite Fever is a bacterial disease that can cause rash, fever and body aches.
The disease began Friday night, said Cali's mother, Sabrina. Sunday, Cali had a fever of 104.6 degrees. She lost the ability to use her hands and arms and had a complete rash.
"Really very scary, really hard to watch," said Sabrina.
The Cali family bought two rats, Shell and Onyx, at an animal feed store about two years ago, with no warning of the risk of rat bites fever.
The doctors recommended the family to get rid of their rats.
"We did not want to do it," said Sabrina. "It's not fun to tell your child that you have to get rid of your best friend."
Cali's mother had a recommendation for the other parents.
"Just know it can happen," she said. "Wash your hands."
Watch the press conference at the Rady Children's Hospital:
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