What should you do if a rabid rat bites? - briefly
Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and running water, then obtain medical evaluation for rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis. Notify local health officials about the incident.
What should you do if a rabid rat bites? - in detail
If a rodent suspected of rabies bites you, immediate action is crucial. First, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least five minutes, applying gentle pressure to remove any debris. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic such as povidone‑iodine or alcohol to reduce bacterial contamination.
Next, seek professional medical evaluation without delay. Contact emergency services or proceed to the nearest urgent‑care facility. Inform the healthcare provider that the animal may have been infected with rabies; this information determines the need for post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The medical team will assess the bite severity, document the incident, and decide whether to administer rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) and the vaccine series. The standard regimen includes a dose of RIG infiltrated around the wound site, followed by four vaccine injections on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (or 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 for immunocompromised patients).
While awaiting treatment, keep the wound covered with a sterile dressing and avoid touching it. Do not apply ointments, creams, or home remedies that could interfere with medical assessment. Record details about the animal—location, appearance, behavior, and any known exposure to other animals—to assist health authorities in tracing the source.
Report the incident to local animal control or public‑health officials. They will arrange capture or euthanasia of the rodent, if possible, and conduct rabies testing. Documentation of the animal’s status is essential for legal and epidemiological purposes.
Finally, monitor the bite site for signs of infection—redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain—and seek immediate care if these develop. Follow the vaccination schedule precisely, completing all doses to ensure full protection against rabies.