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Can a Rat bite cause rabies?
Hello Doctor, I was bitten by a rat on my finger yesterday night. I had a tetanus injection about 6 months ago. Do I need to take a rabies vaccine or any other injection now, or can I leave it as it is?”
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Rabies can be cause by a number of animals..like cats ,bats ,monekys etc..
But Rats are rare..but they are not an exclusion..
Its better to always be on a safer side..
I need more details like, where there was bleeding from the site of bite or just a scratch? And from home or some random slums ..? Kindly consult me on practo so we can have a detailed discussion and make a good call about ur manaegement..
Next Steps
Clean the wound with water ,running water ..
Do not squeze the wound .
PEP for Rabies ,ARV full course
TT
if its a open wound with bleeding,.
dressing and antibiotic prophylaxis to be given .
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Rats are not significant carriers of rabies â WHO guidelines do not recommend routine rabies PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) for rat bites, unlike dog or cat bites, so no rabies vaccine is needed. Your tetanus from 6 months ago is valid and covers you well. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes, apply betadine, and watch for any redness or swelling over the next few days. Feel free to consult me on Practo if you'd like a more detailed evaluation.
Next Steps
Clean the wound with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and visit a doctor in person if you notice increasing pain, swelling, pus, or fever at the bite site.
Answered
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A rat bite is high likely to cause rabies.
There are no such studies found which suggest rate bite will
Cause rabies.
If you have completed your course of tetanus vaccine and the time for last boster dose is within 1 year you need not to worry as it will be covered. But if the booster does was take before 1 year then you need to take one shot of tetanus
Next Steps
Clean the wound with soap and running water for 10 min. Check for local symptoms like pain, fever, rash.. If present visit a doctor.
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