What should you do if a rat bites a person? - briefly
Immediately clean the wound with soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and obtain medical evaluation for infection risk and rabies prophylaxis. Report the incident to local health authorities for proper follow‑up.
What should you do if a rat bites a person? - in detail
If a rat bites an individual, take the following actions promptly.
First, stop any bleeding. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze for several minutes until the flow subsides. If the wound continues to bleed heavily, seek emergency care without delay.
Second, cleanse the wound thoroughly. Rinse under running water for at least one minute, then scrub gently with mild soap. Use an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine to reduce bacterial load. Pat dry with a sterile pad.
Third, assess the need for medical evaluation. All rodent bites warrant professional assessment because of the risk of infection, tetanus, and rabies. Contact a healthcare provider or visit an urgent‑care clinic. The clinician will likely prescribe:
- A tetanus booster if immunization status is outdated or unknown.
- A course of antibiotics (commonly amoxicillin‑clavulanate) to cover Pasteurella, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus species.
- Rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis if the rat is wild, cannot be captured for testing, or if local health authorities deem it necessary.
Fourth, report the incident. Notify local public‑health officials or animal‑control services, providing details about the animal’s appearance, location, and circumstances of the bite. This information assists in surveillance and potential rabies testing.
Fifth, monitor the injury. Observe for signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Return to medical care immediately if any of these symptoms develop.
Finally, document the event. Record the date, time, location, and description of the bite, as well as all first‑aid measures taken. This record supports follow‑up care and any required legal or insurance processes.