What should I do if I’ve been bitten by a rat?

Animal bites are commonly encountered in daily life. Beyond causing physical injury, such bites can also interfere with normal work activities. What should you do if bitten by a rat?

What to Do If Bitten by a Rat

Immediately rinse the wound thoroughly with running water to flush out as much virus as possible, and gently squeeze out blood from the wound. If available, wash the wound continuously for 20–30 minutes with a 20% soap solution, followed by disinfection with an appropriate antiseptic. In most cases, no obvious infection will occur. However, if you remain concerned, it is advisable to visit a hospital for rabies vaccination—a primary preventive measure against rabies virus infection.

Rat bites represent a serious health concern. Due to their typically unsanitary living environments, rats carry numerous viruses and bacteria. Common diseases associated with rat bites include infection, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), and plague. HFRS—caused by hantaviruses—can be transmitted not only through rat bites or scratches but also via ingestion of food contaminated by rat excreta or inhalation of aerosols formed from dried rat urine, feces, or secretions. This disease primarily affects the kidneys; in severe cases, multiple organ systems may become involved, potentially leading to death.

Compared with dogs, cats, or snakes—animals more commonly encountered in everyday life—rats inhabit far less hygienic environments and thus harbor a broader variety of pathogenic microorganisms, posing greater health risks. If bitten by a rat, seek medical attention promptly and follow your physician’s recommendations. We hope this information proves helpful.