What should I do if my hand is bitten by a mouse and bleeds?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
After a hand is bitten by a rat and bleeding occurs, the wound should be immediately flushed, thoroughly disinfected, and squeezed gently to expel contaminated blood. Vaccination should be administered promptly, and the wound condition should be closely monitored. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus formation, fever, or general malaise occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. During daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water and scratching, and change dressings on schedule as directed by a physician.
After a hand is bitten by a rat and bleeding occurs, the wound should be immediately flushed, thoroughly disinfected, gently squeezed to expel contaminated blood, vaccines administered promptly, and the wound condition monitored closely. If symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus formation, fever, or general discomfort occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. The detailed steps are as follows:
1. Immediately flush the wound
Rat mouths carry various bacteria and viruses. The wound should be continuously rinsed for more than 15 minutes with running water or saline solution to remove surface contaminants as much as possible, reduce pathogen residue, and lower the risk of infection.
2. Thoroughly disinfect the wound area
After rinsing, use iodophor or medical alcohol to disinfect the wound and surrounding skin, inactivating any remaining pathogens and further blocking potential infection routes. Avoid using strongly irritating disinfectants that may worsen tissue damage.
3. Gently squeeze to expel contaminated blood
Gently press near the proximal end (closer to the heart) of the wound to help drain blood that may contain pathogens. Perform this maneuver gently to avoid excessive force that could damage tissue. After squeezing, re-disinfect the wound.
4. Receive vaccines promptly
Rats may transmit diseases such as rabies and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). Rabies vaccination should be administered within 24 hours at a hospital. If located in an area where HFRS is endemic, vaccination against hemorrhagic fever may also be required based on medical advice, to prevent severe infectious diseases.
5. Monitor the wound condition
Check the wound daily for signs of healing, and watch for indications of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or pus. Also monitor for systemic symptoms like fever, headache, or fatigue, so that abnormalities can be detected early.
In daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water and scratching, and change dressings as directed by a healthcare provider. Increase intake of protein-rich foods to support wound healing. After vaccination, avoid strenuous exercise, get adequate rest, and ensure optimal vaccine effectiveness. Implement rodent control measures at home to reduce the risk of future bites.
