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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?”
Answers (19)
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Generally no
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Yes it can
Get ARV
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There is a low risk of rabies transmission. So no need to panic!
Just look for symptoms like fever, any other rashes or itching, then see a doctor asap.
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Need to take..
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RAT IS RABID.
GO FOR VACCINE N TT
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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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Hi!
Rat bites have a low risk of rabies transmission. 😊 Additional vaccines are not needed.
Feel free to consult for wound assessment and guidance. 👍
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Getting rabies from a rat bite is rare
So not mouch worry about that
For more discussion you can contact me directly on practo app
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Kindly go ARV
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Kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case
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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.
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Harshal Jagdish Wani
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Nashik
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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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Mr. Bhanu Prasad Reddy
General Physician
2 yrs exp
Kadapa
Rat bites are very low risk of transmitting rabies
Wash your finger under running tap water with soap
Next Steps
No vaccine is needed
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Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
Need few more details for further evaluation. Please consult
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Walk
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Dr. Gaurij Hood
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Valsad
Rate bite as per guidelines and evidence doesn't cause rabies.Pls connect for further discussion
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.