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Rat Bites

Rats are equipped with large teeth and administer painful bites when threatened. The saliva of some species of rats carries hazardous diseases, such as leptospirosis and Hantavirus. In rare cases, rat bite victims may contract rat-bite fever. Humans bitten by rodents are also susceptible to tetanus infections.

Whether in cities, farms, neighborhoods, dumps or sewer systems, rats live within close proximity to human habitats. Outside, they can be found in trees or burrowing beneath the soil. However, rats are also common household pests. As carriers of 70 known diseases, these rodents can prove extremely harmful to human health.

Those living near train stations, subways, garbage dumps, parks or railroads may be particularly susceptible to rat bites, as these areas are densely populated with Norway rats. While rat bites are relatively uncommon, they can be dangerous. Rite bites are not dry bites and are known to transmit a variety of diseases to victims. Rat-bite fever may also result, although cases of RBF are extremely rare in the United States.

Rat bites may be shallow or deep. Some display single puncture wounds, while others display multiple abrasions. Bleeding often occurs. Although infection is rare, all rodent bites should be promptly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Tetanus immunizations may be required for those who have not received them in recent years. Despite common belief, no rodent bites in North America have ever resulted in the transmission of rabies. However, in some locales, it may be necessary to receive a rabies vaccination following a rodent bite.

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