What should you do after a rat bite? - briefly
Clean the bite with soap and running water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover it with a sterile dressing; then see a healthcare provider promptly for wound assessment, antibiotics, tetanus update, and possible rabies prophylaxis.
What should you do after a rat bite? - in detail
When a rat punctures the skin, rinse the area with running water for at least one minute. Use mild soap, then apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. After cleaning, cover the wound with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing.
Prompt medical evaluation is essential. A healthcare professional will assess the depth of the injury, determine the need for tetanus immunization, and consider prophylactic antibiotics. Because rats can carry pathogens such as Leptospira, hantavirus, and Yersinia pestis, clinicians may order laboratory tests or prescribe a short course of doxycycline or amoxicillin‑clavulanate, depending on local resistance patterns.
Record specific details: date and time of the bite, location on the body, circumstances of the encounter, and observable condition of the animal (alive, dead, sick‑looking). This information assists clinicians in risk assessment and may be required for public‑health reporting.
Follow prescribed treatment and monitor the site daily. Seek urgent care if any of the following appear: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, chills, or worsening pain. Complete the full antibiotic regimen even if symptoms improve.
To reduce future incidents, eliminate food sources, seal entry points, and maintain cleanliness in areas where rodents may reside. Use traps or professional pest control when infestations are identified.