What should you do if a street rat bites you? - briefly
Clean the wound promptly with soap and running water, apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and cover it with a sterile dressing. Then see a medical professional without delay for tetanus assessment and possible rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis.
What should you do if a street rat bites you? - in detail
If a city rodent bites you, act promptly to reduce infection risk and assess potential disease exposure.
First, stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or bandage until the flow subsides. If the wound is deep, keep the pressure for several minutes and seek emergency care.
Second, cleanse the site thoroughly. Rinse with running water for at least one minute. Use mild soap to remove debris, then irrigate with an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Pat dry with a sterile gauze.
Third, evaluate the need for professional treatment. Contact a healthcare provider or visit an urgent‑care clinic if any of the following apply:
- Bite penetrates skin or muscle
- Excessive swelling, redness, or pus appears
- You have not received a tetanus booster within the past five years
- You are immunocompromised, pregnant, or have chronic illnesses
- The animal’s health status is unknown or the bite occurred in a high‑risk area
Fourth, consider prophylactic measures. A clinician may prescribe:
- Tetanus toxoid if immunization is outdated
- Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) to prevent bacterial infection, especially from Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Pasteurella species
- Rabies post‑exposure prophylaxis if the rodent was wild, the bite was unprovoked, or local health authorities deem it necessary
Fifth, monitor the wound during the next 48‑72 hours. Look for increasing pain, redness spreading beyond the edges, fever, or drainage. Report any worsening signs to a medical professional immediately.
Finally, adopt preventive habits to avoid future incidents: keep food waste sealed, avoid handling stray animals, and wear thick gloves when cleaning areas where rodents are active.
Prompt cleaning, medical assessment, and appropriate prophylaxis constitute the essential response to a bite from an urban rat.