Do I need a shot if bitten by a fancy rat?

Apr 08, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Rat bites generally require medical injections. Flower rats (a type of pet rat) may carry hantavirus. If bitten by a flower rat, there is a risk of developing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), so it's important to go to the hospital promptly for an HFRS vaccine to reduce the likelihood of infection. Since pathogens may be present on the rat's teeth, if the wound is deep or bleeding heavily, a tetanus vaccine should be administered according to the doctor's advice.

It is generally necessary to receive injections after being bitten by a fancy rat to prevent physical discomfort. The specific analysis is as follows:

Fancy rats are a variant of laboratory white rats and may carry hantavirus. If bitten by a fancy rat, one could develop hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), presenting symptoms such as fever, body aches, coma, and convulsions. After being bitten, it is usually recommended to promptly go to the hospital for a hemorrhagic fever vaccine to reduce the risk of infection. Since the teeth of fancy rats may carry pathogens, if the bite wound is superficial, it should be cleaned and disinfected under the guidance of a medical professional. If the wound is deep or bleeding heavily, a tetanus vaccine may be required according to the doctor's advice.

After receiving injections, proper wound care is recommended, and the healing process should be closely monitored. Seek medical attention immediately if any discomfort occurs. When handling fancy rats in daily life, appropriate protective measures should be taken to avoid bites.