What should I do if I've been bitten by a mouse and it's bleeding?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
After being bitten by a rat and bleeding occurs, proper first aid should be administered immediately. General measures include squeezing the wound to expel blood, rinsing with running clean water, disinfecting the wound with iodine tincture, covering it with sterile dressing, and seeking prompt medical attention for vaccine administration. After wound treatment, monitor the healing process daily. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased pain, pus discharge, or fever occur, seek medical care immediately.
After being bitten by a rat and bleeding occurs, proper first aid should be administered immediately. General measures include squeezing the wound to expel blood, rinsing with running water, disinfecting the wound with iodophor, covering with sterile dressing, and seeking prompt medical attention for vaccination. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider early. Specific procedures are as follows:
1. Squeeze the wound to expel blood: Gently press with clean fingers on the side of the wound closer to the heart to encourage the outflow of potentially contaminated blood. Apply moderate pressure for 1–2 minutes, avoiding excessive force that could damage tissue.
2. Rinse with running water: Thoroughly rinse the wound with running tap water or saline solution for no less than 15 minutes. This helps flush away residual saliva and debris from the wound surface, reducing the risk of infection.
3. Disinfect the wound with iodophor: After rinsing, use a sterile swab to apply iodophor evenly to the wound and surrounding skin. Iodophor has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, effectively killing bacteria and viruses on the wound surface, and causes relatively low irritation.
4. Cover with sterile dressing: After disinfection, cover the wound with sterile gauze or a band-aid to prevent exposure to dust and bacteria in the air. Keep the dressing clean and dry, and replace it promptly if contaminated.
5. Seek timely medical care and vaccination: Immediately go to the hospital after initial wound management. Receive rabies vaccine and hemorrhagic fever vaccine as recommended by a physician. Rats may carry various pathogens, and timely, standardized vaccination is crucial for preventing infection.
After wound treatment, monitor healing daily. If symptoms such as redness, increased pain, pus discharge, or fever occur, seek medical review immediately. Avoid getting the wound wet during daily activities and keep the dressing clean. Wash hands thoroughly after contact with rats, and regularly clean your living environment to reduce the likelihood of rodent infestation.
