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Suggest First Aid Measures For A Rat Bite

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Posted on Sat, 10 Sep 2016
Question: what are the first aids for a rat bite and is there any harmful efffects with it? iam 17 years old and igot the rat bite right now that is 5.15 am .iam from XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)
Brief answer.....explained below
Detailed answer....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Rat bites sometimes may cause infection at the local site as well as tetanus also.
In rare cases people may develop rat bite fever.
As far as rabies is concerned,it is very rare with rat bites but can not be ruled out 100%.
What to do....
Clean the wound and get anti tetanus shot.
In case development of pus at the bite site occurs,then you would need a course of antibiotics.
Although chances of rabies are as good as nil but still better to get anti rabies vaccination.
Watch for vomiting fever,joint pains,rash etc which may occur from 3-7 days after the bite.
In case it happens,then you would need to consult the doctor and get diagnosed and treated properly.
Most likely nothing should happen but be vigilant and careful about whatever explained above.
I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

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Suggest First Aid Measures For A Rat Bite

Brief answer.....explained below Detailed answer.... Hello, Thanks for the query. I have read your query and understand your concern. Rat bites sometimes may cause infection at the local site as well as tetanus also. In rare cases people may develop rat bite fever. As far as rabies is concerned,it is very rare with rat bites but can not be ruled out 100%. What to do.... Clean the wound and get anti tetanus shot. In case development of pus at the bite site occurs,then you would need a course of antibiotics. Although chances of rabies are as good as nil but still better to get anti rabies vaccination. Watch for vomiting fever,joint pains,rash etc which may occur from 3-7 days after the bite. In case it happens,then you would need to consult the doctor and get diagnosed and treated properly. Most likely nothing should happen but be vigilant and careful about whatever explained above. I hope it helps,however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query. Best of luck Thanks