Rat Bite First Aid and Infection Prevention

When a rat bites you, it's important to clean the wound right away.

Just like with other animal bites, you should wash the bite with soap and lots of water for about 10 to 15 minutes.

This helps wash away any tiny germs that might be on the rat's teeth.

If you don't clean it, these germs can get inside your body and make you sick with something called rat-bite fever.

This sickness can cause a fever, a rash, and make your joints hurt.

Sometimes, it can even cause problems with your heart or kidneys.

So, after washing the bite, it's a good idea to see a doctor.

They can give you medicine, called antibiotics, to make sure no infection starts.

Getting treated quickly helps keep you healthy.