
Infections and Fever
Published on 2 November 2026
Answered & medically reviewed by
Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Malik✓ Doctor verified
MBBS, MD (Pathology) • 17 Years experience
Rat bites are very unlikely to cause rabies, as rodents such as rats and mice rarely carry the rabies virus, unlike dogs, cats, or bats. However, a rat bite can still lead to infections or illnesses such as rat-bite fever. Therefore, it is important to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and consult a doctor. Your doctor can assess the risk of infection and determine whether any vaccination or other treatment is needed.
Stay informed with our expert health articles and blogs. Explore comprehensive guides on diseases, nutrition, preventive care, and wellness tips to help you make better health decisions.