What should you do in case of a mouse bite?

What should you do in case of a mouse bite? - briefly

Clean the bite with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a sterile dressing. Obtain medical evaluation promptly to assess infection risk and determine if tetanus or rabies prophylaxis is needed.

What should you do in case of a mouse bite? - in detail

If a mouse punctures the skin, act immediately to reduce infection risk and assess the need for medical care.

1. Initial wound care

   • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the bite.
   • Rinse the area under running water for at least one minute.
   • Apply mild soap and gently scrub to remove debris.
   • Pat dry with a clean towel or gauze.

2. Disinfection

   • Apply an antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine.
   • Cover the site with a sterile, non‑adhesive dressing or bandage.

3. Assess severity

   • Look for deep puncture, excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of tissue damage.
   • Note any redness, warmth, or pus developing within 24‑48 hours, which may indicate infection.

4. Tetanus consideration

   • Verify tetanus immunization status. If the last booster was over ten years ago (or five years for dirty wounds), obtain a tetanus toxoid injection.

5. Rabies evaluation

   • Determine whether the mouse was wild, stray, or exhibited abnormal behavior.
   • In most jurisdictions, rodents are not common rabies carriers, but local health authorities may advise post‑exposure prophylaxis if exposure risk is high.

6. When to seek professional help

   • Deep or large puncture wounds.
   • Signs of infection: increasing pain, swelling, redness, or fever.
   • Immunocompromised individuals, children, or pregnant persons.
   • Uncertain tetanus status or lack of recent vaccination.
   • Any concern about rabies exposure.

7. Follow‑up care

   • Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
   • Monitor the wound for worsening symptoms.
   • Complete any prescribed antibiotic course if infection is suspected or confirmed.

Prompt cleaning, proper dressing, and evaluation of vaccination status are essential steps to prevent complications after a mouse bite. If uncertainty remains, contact a healthcare provider without delay.