What should you do after being bitten by a rat? - briefly
Clean the bite with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile dressing; then contact a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation of infection risk, tetanus status, and possible rabies exposure. Follow any prescribed antibiotic or prophylactic treatment and monitor the wound for signs of worsening.
What should you do after being bitten by a rat? - in detail
When a rat punctures the skin, act without delay. Begin by washing the wound thoroughly with running water and mild soap for at least one minute. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop any bleeding. After cleaning, cover the area with a sterile gauze pad and secure it with an adhesive bandage.
Seek professional medical attention immediately. A clinician will assess the depth of the injury, determine the need for suturing, and evaluate the risk of infection. Request a tetanus booster if your immunization status is uncertain or if more than five years have passed since the last dose. Discuss the possibility of rabies exposure; although rare, rats can carry the virus, and a prophylactic regimen may be warranted based on local health authority guidelines.
Antibiotic therapy is often recommended to prevent bacterial infection, particularly from Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Pasteurella species commonly found in rodent mouths. Follow the prescribed dosage and complete the full course, even if symptoms improve.
Document the incident. Provide details such as the date, time, location, and circumstances of the bite, as well as the rat’s condition (alive, dead, wild, or pet). Report the case to local public health officials if the animal’s health status is unknown, as they may need to conduct surveillance for zoonotic diseases.
Monitor the wound for signs of worsening infection: increasing redness, swelling, heat, pus, or fever. If any of these symptoms appear, return to the healthcare provider promptly for reevaluation and possible adjustment of treatment.
Prevent future occurrences by securing food sources, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean environment that discourages rodent habitation. Use traps or professional pest control services when necessary.