What should I do if a rat bites me on the street? - briefly
Clean the wound promptly with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and obtain medical evaluation for possible infection and rabies prophylaxis. Report the incident to local health officials for appropriate public‑health follow‑up.
What should I do if a rat bites me on the street? - in detail
If a rat bites you while walking outdoors, act immediately.
- Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
- Rinse the wound under running water for at least one minute; use mild soap around the edges, but avoid scrubbing the tissue.
- Disinfect with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or hydrogen peroxide.
- Cover the site with a sterile bandage to protect it from further contamination.
Seek professional medical care without delay.
- Inform the clinician that the injury was caused by a rodent; they will assess the need for tetanus booster, rabies prophylaxis, and antibiotic therapy.
- Provide details about the bite (location, depth, time elapsed) to help determine infection risk.
- Follow the prescribed medication schedule and keep the wound clean; replace dressings according to instructions.
Report the incident to local health authorities or animal‑control services.
- Supply the exact location, time, and any observable characteristics of the animal.
- Documentation assists public‑health monitoring and may trigger rodent‑control measures in the area.
Monitor the wound during the following days.
- Watch for increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain.
- Return to medical care promptly if any signs of infection appear.
Maintain personal hygiene and consider preventive steps.