What should you do if a rat bites a child on the street? - briefly
Clean the bite with soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and obtain medical care promptly for evaluation and possible rabies prophylaxis. Notify local health or animal control agencies about the incident.
What should you do if a rat bites a child on the street? - in detail
If a child is bitten by a rat while outdoors, act immediately. Separate the child from the animal, apply pressure to any bleeding, and keep the wound elevated if possible.
Clean the bite thoroughly. Rinse the area with running water for at least one minute, then wash with mild soap. Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or hydrogen peroxide, and cover the site with a sterile dressing.
Seek professional medical care without delay. Bring the child to an emergency department or urgent‑care clinic for evaluation. The clinician will assess the need for:
- Rabies prophylaxis, based on local wildlife prevalence and the animal’s condition.
- Tetanus booster, if the child’s immunization is outdated or unknown.
- Antibiotic therapy, to prevent bacterial infection from rat saliva.
Notify the appropriate authorities. Call local animal‑control services to report the incident and provide details about the rat’s appearance and location. This enables tracking of potential disease vectors and helps prevent future bites.
Monitor the wound over the following days. Look for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Return to medical care promptly if any of these signs develop, or if the child experiences unexplained fatigue or neurological symptoms.
Maintain up‑to‑date immunizations for the child, including tetanus and rabies vaccinations where indicated. Keep a record of the incident and the steps taken, as it may be required for insurance or public‑health documentation.