If you are bitten by a rat, take it seriously and treat it right away.
You may need atetanusimmunization or stitches.
Rat bites often lead toinfection.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Symptoms of rat-bite fever usually begin within three to 10 days after being bitten.
Fortunately, rat-bite fever can be effectively treated with an antibiotic.
If left untreated, though, rat-bite fever can potentially be fatal.
A rash usually appears two to four days after the fever.
Just because the bite or scratch seems to be getting better, dont assume youre in the clear.
The infection can still be in your body.
In fact, you may not have a fever until after the wound is healed.
The infection can also lead tohepatitis,meningitis,pneumonia, and a kidney disorder known asnephritis.
Approximately 10% of people who developS.
moniliformisdie of the infection.
Spirillum Rat-Bite Fever
Symptoms ofS.
minusRBF usually come on one to three weeks after being exposed to an infected rodent.
They are more variable than streptobacillus RBF, but may include:
Without treatment,S.
Rat Bites and Rabies Risk
Rats are not a major source ofrabies infection.
In fact, its very rare for humans to contract rabies from any rodent.
Bat bites are the most common source of rabies.
Raccoons, skunks, and foxes can also transmit the disease.
Haverhill Fever
Another form of rat-bite fever is Haverhill fever.
Symptoms may include severe vomiting and a sore throat.
Antibiotic Treatment for Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-bite fever should always be treated by a doctor.
If untreated, rat-bite fever can cause serious complications that could lead to death.
Summary
Rat-bite fever is a serious infection that is often harmful to humans.
S. moniliformis bacteria found in American rats is associated with rash and flu-like symptoms.
S. minus bacteria found in Asian rats may cause swollen lymph nodes and irritation around the wound.
Both types of bacteria cause an infection that can be fatal if its not treated.
Thankfully, the condition can be cured with antibiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to get rat-bite fever from a mouse.
Mice can carry rabies, but it is extremely rare.
There are very few documented cases of rabies-infected mice.
In addition, it is unknown if they can transmit it to humans.
The same is true for hamsters, guinea pigs, chipmunks, rats, rabbits, and hares.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rat bite fever (RBF).
2019;58(1):e00677-19.
doi:10.1128/JCM.00677-19
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.Rodent management.
2022;52(2):207-214. doi:10.21608/jesp.2022.257333
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About rabies.
2016;4(4):140-144. doi:10.14737/journal.jahp/2016/4.4.140.144
