What should you do if a street rat bites you until it bleeds? - briefly
Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, then wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and obtain medical care for infection risk and rabies prophylaxis. Report the bite to local health authorities for proper follow‑up.
What should you do if a street rat bites you until it bleeds? - in detail
When a stray rodent pierces the skin and produces bleeding, act promptly to reduce infection risk and address possible disease exposure.
First, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop the flow of blood. Maintain pressure for several minutes until bleeding subsides. If the wound continues to bleed after 10 minutes of firm pressure, seek emergency care.
Second, clean the area thoroughly. Rinse with lukewarm water, then wash with mild soap. Use an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine to disinfect the site. Pat dry with a sterile pad.
Third, cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Change the dressing at least once daily or whenever it becomes wet or contaminated.
Fourth, assess the need for medical intervention. Obtain professional evaluation to:
- Determine if tetanus prophylaxis is required (especially if immunization status is uncertain or the last booster was over five years ago).
- Evaluate rabies risk. In most jurisdictions, any bite from a wild or stray rodent warrants consultation with a healthcare provider and possibly a rabies post‑exposure regimen, depending on local epidemiology and the animal’s condition.
- Consider antibiotics. Empiric coverage for common rodent‑borne bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, Leptospira) may be prescribed, typically a course of amoxicillin‑clavulanate or doxycycline, unless contraindicated.
Fifth, monitor for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain. Report any such symptoms to a clinician immediately.
Sixth, document the incident. Record the date, time, location, description of the animal, and circumstances of the bite. Provide this information to medical personnel and, if required, to local public‑health authorities.
Finally, adopt preventive measures: avoid handling unknown rodents, wear gloves when cleaning areas where rodents may be present, and maintain proper sanitation to deter infestations.