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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should Take My 12 Year Old Son To ER For A Vole Bite?

Hi, my 12 year old son caught a vole with his bare hands and received a small bite. We ve washed it out with alcohol-- should we go to the ER? What is the risk of him contracting rabies or tetanus? It s 8:00pm-- would it be okay to wait until tomorrow AM?
Mon, 26 May 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.
In vole bits is not necessary anti-rabies vaccination.
Tetanus prophylaxis and measures to control bacterial infection are needed.
Tetanus toxoid injection is necessary if your son hasn't had one since 5 years.So check your records or consult your physician to be sure your son has had TT vaccination done recently(no more than 5 years back).If he had had it that he will not need one now.

It is necessary to take some measures to control bacterial infection including:
-Thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and water. If available, a bactericidal agent such as povidine-iodine solution should be used to irrigate the wound.
-Apply antibacterial ointment
-do not cover the bite mark with a bandage,let it be open but apply ointment.

You don't need to worry,there is no emergency for this situation.Wait till tomorrow and consult your doctor to make sure your son had done Tetanus toxoid injection recently.If not,your son need to do it now.
Follow the above tips to take care for the wound.

Hope my answer has helped.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
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Should Take My 12 Year Old Son To ER For A Vole Bite?

Hello! I read carefully your query and understand your concern. In vole bits is not necessary anti-rabies vaccination. Tetanus prophylaxis and measures to control bacterial infection are needed. Tetanus toxoid injection is necessary if your son hasn t had one since 5 years.So check your records or consult your physician to be sure your son has had TT vaccination done recently(no more than 5 years back).If he had had it that he will not need one now. It is necessary to take some measures to control bacterial infection including: -Thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and water. If available, a bactericidal agent such as povidine-iodine solution should be used to irrigate the wound. -Apply antibacterial ointment -do not cover the bite mark with a bandage,let it be open but apply ointment. You don t need to worry,there is no emergency for this situation.Wait till tomorrow and consult your doctor to make sure your son had done Tetanus toxoid injection recently.If not,your son need to do it now. Follow the above tips to take care for the wound. Hope my answer has helped. Take care. Dr.Rovena