Rat bite should be treated quickly, as it carries the risk of transmitting infections and causing diseases such as rat bite fever, leptospirosis or even rabies.
First aid should be initiated at home as soon as the accident occurs and consist of:
- After the procedure.
- A dressing is performed.
- Which should be changed the next day or earlier.
- If the dressing is wet or stained with blood or secretions If the wound shows signs of infection.
- Such as purulent discharge.
- Redness or swelling.
- Your doctor may prescribe the use of an antibiotic.
Learn more in the video below on what to do in the event of an animal bite:
The tetanus vaccine is recommended after this type of injury, if not up to date, because it prevents infection with clostridium tetani bacteria, present in the environment, such as in soil or dust.See when to get vaccinated against tetanus.
The rabies vaccine or rabies serum may be indicated if the rat is of unknown origin, as in these cases the risk of transmission of the rabies virus is higher, in the case of mice or domestic hamsters the risk is much lower and vaccination is not sufficient.unless the animal has behavioral changes or symptoms characteristic of rabies.Also check when the rabies vaccine is needed.
Rats may contain microorganisms in their secretions that cause disease in humans, especially wastewater rats.
The main disease that can occur is mouse bite fever, in which bacteria such as Streptobacillus moniliformis can reach the bloodstream and cause fever, discomfort, redness of the skin, muscle aches, vomiting and, in some cases, complications.Severe pneumonia, meningitis and abscesses throughout the body.Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of mouse bite fever.
Other diseases that can be transmitted by secretions of rats and rodents include leptospirosis, hantavirus, rabies or bubonic plague, for example, which can be serious and cause death.Therefore, it is very important to take environmental hygiene measures, such as removing waste, debris, dirt and keeping plants in good condition, to avoid the presence of these animals near homes.