Do You Need Rabies Vaccine After a Mouse Bite? Risks and Myths

Q: Do You Need Rabies Vaccine After a Mouse Bite? Risks and Myths

Dear Mr. <br>Han：<br>1. <br>The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, and a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. <br>The current regula

Mice, rabies

1.
Do I need to get a rabies vaccine if bitten by a mouse? (The wound has healed, but I'm concerned because there have been many dead mice in my house recently.)
2.
Even if bitten by an animal that is infected with rabies, is it possible not to contract the disease or develop symptoms?

Han Zai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/19

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Mr.
Han:
1.
The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, and a few cases involving the white-nosed coati.
The current regulation states that post-exposure rabies vaccination is applicable for individuals bitten by wild mammals nationwide (excluding the Taitung City rat).
Those who do not meet the criteria may opt for self-funded vaccination.
2.
According to the rabies surveillance data for stray dogs and cats from the Council of Agriculture from 1999 to 2017, all results were negative.
Additionally, there is ongoing promotion of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats in the country, resulting in an extremely low risk of rabies virus infection in domestic dogs and cats.
Therefore, individuals bitten by stray dogs and cats are treated similarly to those bitten by pet dogs and cats, and vaccination is not routinely administered unless the animal shows suspected rabies symptoms within 10 days of observation, and there is a high suspicion from the animal inspection authorities.
3.
Consequently, since you were bitten by a rat that is not the Taitung City rat, you are currently not within the scope of the public-funded rabies vaccination program by the Centers for Disease Control.
If you still have concerns, it is recommended that you receive the rabies vaccine at your own expense.
4.
The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches.
Therefore, theoretically, if bitten by an animal with rabies, the likelihood of contracting the disease is very high if there is a sufficient viral load.
Clinically, if the animal is observed for 10 days without any abnormal signs, there should be no concern for infection.
However, regarding your rat bite, could it lead to rabies? While the likelihood is low, it is not impossible.
If there is a high suspicion, you should report it to the local animal disease control authority.
If necessary, rabies-related necropsy and pathological examinations must be conducted to clarify any doubts.

Reply Date: 2020/10/19

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether a rabies vaccine is necessary after a mouse bite, it is important to understand the context of rabies transmission and the specific risks associated with different animals.
1. Do you need a rabies vaccine after a mouse bite?
In general, the risk of contracting rabies from a mouse bite is extremely low. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, particularly those that are more commonly associated with the disease, such as dogs, bats, raccoons, and skunks. In Taiwan, as noted in the previous discussions, rabies is primarily a concern with wild animals like the badger and the civet cat, particularly in certain regions. Mice, on the other hand, are not known carriers of the rabies virus. Therefore, if you have been bitten by a mouse, especially if it is not a species known to carry rabies, the likelihood of needing a rabies vaccine is very low. However, if you are concerned due to an increase in dead mice in your home, it may be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially if the mouse was acting strangely or appeared sick.

2. Is it true that even if bitten by a rabid animal, one may not necessarily contract rabies?
Yes, it is true that not every bite from an animal infected with rabies will result in the transmission of the virus. Several factors influence the likelihood of infection, including the amount of virus present in the animal's saliva, the depth and location of the bite, and the immune status of the person bitten. The rabies virus typically requires a sufficient viral load to cause infection, and the transmission usually occurs through deep bites that allow saliva to enter the bloodstream.
After a potential rabies exposure, the standard medical protocol is to observe the animal for signs of rabies for a period of 10 days. If the animal remains healthy during this observation period, the risk of rabies transmission is considered negligible. However, if the animal shows symptoms of rabies or dies, immediate medical attention is necessary, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with rabies vaccine and possibly rabies immunoglobulin may be required.

In summary, while the risk of rabies from a mouse bite is very low, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult with healthcare professionals if you have concerns, especially in light of unusual circumstances like an increase in dead mice. Rabies is a serious disease, but understanding the risks and following appropriate medical advice can help mitigate concerns and ensure safety. If you have any further questions or experience any unusual symptoms after a bite, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Mouse Bite?

If bitten by a rat, is there a risk of tetanus? The wound is only a small puncture, and I wiped away the blood with a tissue and disinfected it with alcohol. Do I still need to get a tetanus vaccine?

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, regarding the above situation, first, the wound should be properly treated, and a prophylactic tetanus injection is still recommended. Additionally, attention should be paid to the risk of rabies infection; you may consult an infectious disease specialist for assistance an...

Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Bite? Expert Advice

Hello doctor, my 4-year-old son was bitten on his thumb by a wild squirrel in the park. The small wound bled a little, but we cleaned it, and it stopped bleeding afterward. We did not go to the hospital at that time. Do we need to get a rabies vaccine? Can it be administered late...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Currently, rabies in Taiwan occurs primarily in wild animals such as ferrets and the Formosan ferret badger, particularly in the central, southern, and eastern regions. Therefore, in the case of your son being bitten by a wild squirrel, there is no need for rabies vaccinat...

Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After Cat Bite? Expert Advice

About three years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, I encountered my neighbor's cat in the stairwell of our apartment building. The cat often roamed around the building. That afternoon, as I was going down the stairs, it suddenly bit me, leaving four puncture wounds near my ankle ...

Dr. Cai Dongqi reply Family Medicine
Hello: I'm not very clear about this, so I'm asking in the infectious disease outpatient clinic.

Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After a Dog Bite?

Hello, I was bitten by my dog (which I brought home from a pet store, three months old, and has not been vaccinated for rabies) a day ago. There was bleeding, and at the time, I only disinfected the wound with hydrogen peroxide. Should I get a rabies vaccine or something similar?

Dr. Zhang Shuhao reply Surgery
There is no need for a specific rabies vaccine, but it is still recommended to receive a tetanus vaccine. Additionally, it is important to monitor for signs of wound infection, such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain.