A mouse bit me, what should I do? - briefly
Immediately wash the bite with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a clean dressing. If the wound is deep, shows signs of infection, or you lack up‑to‑date tetanus protection, seek medical attention promptly.
A mouse bit me, what should I do? - in detail
If a mouse has bitten you, treat the wound promptly to reduce infection risk. Begin by washing the area with running water and mild soap for at least one minute. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding. After cleaning, disinfect with an antiseptic such as iodine or chlorhexidine. Cover the site with a sterile dressing and change it daily or when it becomes wet or dirty.
Assess the need for professional medical care. Seek a clinician’s evaluation if the bite is deep, puncturing, or located near a joint, eye, or major blood vessel. Also consult a health professional if you have not received a tetanus booster within the past ten years, have a compromised immune system, or notice signs of infection—redness spreading beyond the wound, increasing pain, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever.
Discuss the possibility of zoonotic diseases with your provider. Mice can transmit pathogens such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and certain bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus, Staphylococcus). Although rabies is rare in rodents, confirm local epidemiology and follow any recommended post‑exposure protocols.
If prescribed, complete the full course of antibiotics to prevent bacterial complications. Keep the wound elevated when possible to limit swelling. Monitor for delayed symptoms for up to two weeks, noting any fever, chills, or unusual fatigue, and report them immediately.
Prevent future incidents by securing food sources, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean environment. Use traps or humane removal methods for rodent control, and wear protective gloves when handling debris where mice may reside.