Bit by baby rat/mouse?

Question

Hi all,

Last night I went outside and noticed my cat had cornered an animal. I got the animal away from the cat in an attempt to set it free, but in the process it bite my finger and drew a small amount of blood (dumb move, but I'd have a few beers :P). It appeared to be either a baby rat or mouse. Most likely a mouse, as I've never seen a rat around here. Anyway, I set it free and then promptly squeezed the wound to push as much blood out as possible, and then soaked the wound in rubbing alcohol.

So, my question:

Should I be very concerned about disease? What symptoms should I look for? Should I call a vet maybe? (I'd go to the doc, but no insurance!)

Thanks!

Answer 1

Really you have nothing to worry about, the worst thing a mouse or rat will carry is mites or fleas. There is almost no chance of it carrying rabies but if it starts to swell or gets infected than I would go and see a doctor but other than your fine even though it was a wild one the worst they carry is fleas

Answer 2

Well if u did go to get a shot before going to get the shotu should take the mouse in but u let it free just to be ok u should go t get a shot

Answer 3

"Small Wild Animal Bites:  Rodents such as mice, rats, moles, gophers, chipmunks, prairie dogs and rabbits fortunately are considered free of rabies.  Squirrels rarely carry rabies, but have not transmitted it to humans."  http://www.lpch.org/HealthLibrary/Parent...

I'd also call your local animal control to get additional advice.  If the animal got away, there's no way to know if it has rabies.  They might recommend going through the rabies procedure anyway (though I doubt it) which can be expensive and not fun.

Regarding infection, if you cleaned the wound out well, you should be okay.  Keep an eye on it to watch for possible infection.

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

not at all. it was terrified so it bit. just make sure to keep the wound clean the way you would with anything. peroxide, neosporin, and daily or a few times a day cleaning it out depending on your job and such. but yeah it is HIGHLY UNLIKELY that a wildie bite will give you anything.

Answer 5

Probably still should get it checked out. Beyond an infection which would be the most likely candidate (and yes those can be fatal too) there are some cross special diseases that can get you too. Although the chances of getting a serious disease are remote the price of regret will be high if you win the unlucky lottery and caught something nasty.

Answer 6

It's actually highly unlikely that you'll get a disease from a wild rat or mouse, they're considered quite clean that way. Just make sure you clean the wound and treat it with neosporin or something and you should be alright. Naturally it would be better to get it checked by a doctor as a precautionary measure, but if you don't I don't think you'll get any terrible diseases. It's extraordinarily rare for these animals to have rabies.