Can a Pet Rodent Bite Lead to Rabies Infection in Toddlers?

Will a child get rabies if bitten on the finger?

Hello Dr.
Liao: My daughter is currently 1 year and 1 month old.
On July 9, while at my mother-in-law's house, she was bitten on her index finger by a pet mouse (unsure of the breed, but it seems to be a guinea pig).
There are two wounds, both of which bled.
We initially rinsed the wounds with water and applied Betadine.
After returning home, we took her to the emergency room, where they did not administer any injections, only performing basic wound care.
We initially thought everything was fine, so on July 12, we took her for her scheduled infant vaccinations (measles and varicella vaccines).
However, on the evening of July 13, we learned that the pet mouse that bit my daughter had died.
Now, my daughter cannot receive the rabies vaccine (the pediatrician said that the measles vaccine must be given at least one month before the rabies vaccine).
I am very worried about whether she could contract rabies.
Although the pet mouse had been kept for three years and may have died of old age, the fact that it died just four days later has me concerned about my daughter potentially getting sick.
I would like to seek your assistance, thank you.
🙏
1.
Could my daughter contract a disease?
2.
If she remains symptom-free after one month, can she receive the rabies vaccine?
Thank you, Dr.
Liao.
🙏

Niu Ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/17

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, urgent wound management is the most important related guideline.
For more information, please refer to the following links: [Disease Overview](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ) and [Bite Management](https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Ffsf8vPI2ug2_c_sjiGMWA).
It is recommended to discuss with your pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/07/17

More Info

Rabies is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly through bites. The virus can affect various mammals, including dogs, bats, and rodents. However, the risk of rabies transmission from pet rodents, such as guinea pigs or hamsters, is extremely low. In fact, rabies is not typically associated with these types of animals, as they are not common carriers of the virus.

In your situation, your daughter was bitten by a pet rodent, which is unlikely to have rabies, especially if it had been kept as a pet for three years without any signs of illness. The fact that the rodent died shortly after the incident raises concerns, but it is essential to consider the context. If the rodent was healthy and had been cared for properly, it is improbable that it was rabid. Additionally, the common pet rodents are not known to transmit rabies to humans.

Regarding the immediate care your daughter received, washing the wound with soap and water and applying antiseptic is the appropriate first aid response. Since she was taken to the emergency department for evaluation, it is good that the wound was assessed, even if no rabies vaccine was administered at that time. The decision to administer a rabies vaccine typically depends on the type of animal involved, the circumstances of the bite, and the health status of the animal.

1. Will my daughter contract rabies? Given the information provided, it is highly unlikely that your daughter will contract rabies from the rodent bite. The risk is minimal, especially considering the type of animal involved and the lack of rabies history in pet rodents. If the rodent had been healthy and there were no signs of rabies, the chances of transmission are negligible.

2. If she shows no symptoms after a month, can she receive the rabies vaccine? If your daughter remains symptom-free after a month, it is generally safe to proceed with routine vaccinations, including the rabies vaccine. However, it is crucial to consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. They will assess her overall health and vaccination schedule to determine the best course of action.

In summary, while it is understandable to be concerned about rabies after a bite, the likelihood of contracting the virus from a pet rodent is extremely low. It is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with healthcare professionals regarding any potential risks and necessary vaccinations. Regular check-ups and open communication with your child's doctor will help ensure her health and safety.

Similar Q&A

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

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 deve...

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 th...

Can Eating Cat-Contaminated Food Transmit Rabies to Children?

Hello, if a child accidentally ingests a cookie that a cat may have eaten, could they become infected if the cat has rabies? Thank you.

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Animal saliva becomes infectious only 10 days before the onset of illness. If the animal does not show symptoms, the infectious potential is very low. Additionally, whether an infection occurs depends on whether there are any wounds or cavities in the child's mouth. Overall,...

Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury

Hello, doctor. About six years ago, I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I wasn't sure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember getting two shots, one for tetanus and I forgot the other). I didn...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can differentiate viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infecte...

Should You See a Doctor for Potential Rabies Exposure in Children?

Hello, doctor. At the end of April, my child (currently 2 years and 11 months old) was scratched and bitten by a cat while playing in a monkey park. At that time, the injury did not seem serious, so we did not take him to see a doctor. A few days later, the wound healed. However,...

Dr. Gao Qingyun reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, the likelihood of your child being infected with common bacteria from cats or the rabies virus is low (considering the animal is from a non-endemic area and the wound is minor), so there is no need for special concern. Regarding rabies prophylaxi...