What should be done if bitten by a mouse? - briefly
Clean the bite with soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover it with a sterile dressing; then promptly consult a healthcare professional for evaluation, possible tetanus booster, and assessment of infection risk.
What should be done if bitten by a mouse? - in detail
If a mouse bite occurs, begin with rapid wound management. Wash the area under running water for at least one minute, using mild soap to remove debris. Apply firm pressure with a clean gauze pad to control bleeding, then rinse again and pat dry with a sterile towel.
Next, assess the injury. Small punctures may require only cleaning, while deeper lacerations demand professional evaluation. Seek medical attention promptly, especially if the bite is deep, the mouse was wild, or the victim has compromised immunity, diabetes, or a history of tetanus.
Medical care typically includes:
- Tetanus prophylaxis – administer a booster if the patient’s immunization status is uncertain or the last dose was over five years ago.
- Rabies risk assessment – consider rabies vaccination if the mouse was wild, exhibited abnormal behavior, or the bite occurred in a region where rabies is endemic.
- Antibiotic therapy – prescribe a broad‑spectrum agent (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) to cover common rodent‑associated bacteria such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurella species.
- Wound closure – leave puncture sites open for drainage; suturing is reserved for large, gaping wounds after infection risk is mitigated.
After treatment, monitor the site for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Report any systemic symptoms to a healthcare provider immediately.
Document the incident thoroughly. Record the date and time of the bite, description of the mouse (domestic or wild), circumstances of the encounter, and all first‑aid measures taken. This information assists clinicians in tailoring prophylaxis and may be required for occupational health reporting.
Finally, implement preventive measures to reduce future incidents: seal entry points, store food securely, maintain clean environments, and use traps or professional pest control when necessary.