Rabies is a severe viral disease impacting the central nervous system. Given their common presence, many wonder about the risk of rabies from rats. Understanding the actual likelihood of transmission is important for public health awareness.
The Low Risk of Rabies in Rats
Rats and other small rodents are rarely infected with rabies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes almost no documented cases of small rodents transmitting rabies to humans. This low incidence is due to the rabies virus’s epidemiology.
The rabies virus primarily circulates among specific mammal species that serve as natural reservoirs. In North America, these include bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Globally, dogs are the most common source of human rabies cases, accounting for over 99% of infections in many regions.
For a rat to transmit rabies, it would need to be bitten by a rabid animal and survive that encounter. Small rodents typically do not survive attacks from larger, rabid animals long enough for the virus to develop and become transmissible, making them more likely to be killed than to transmit the disease.
Public health authorities generally do not recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—shots given after potential exposure to prevent rabies—following a rat bite. This recommendation holds unless the rat exhibited unusual behavior or there is a confirmed, rare rabies outbreak involving rodents in the specific area. From 2011 to 2020, only 1.8% of 21,925 rodents and lagomorphs tested for rabies were positive, with groundhogs accounting for over 90% of those cases, not rats.
Actions After a Rat Encounter
Despite the low risk of rabies, immediate and proper wound care is important after any rat bite or scratch. Thoroughly wash the wound with plenty of soap and water for at least 5 to 15 minutes to remove bacteria and debris. After washing, apply an antiseptic solution like povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide, then cover the wound with a clean, dry dressing.
Seek medical attention promptly following a rat bite or scratch. A healthcare professional can assess the wound for potential bacterial infections, such as rat-bite fever, a more common concern than rabies. Symptoms of rat-bite fever include fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and a rash, often appearing on the hands and feet, typically 3 to 10 days after exposure. This condition can be serious if left untreated but is curable with antibiotics.
Healthcare providers can also evaluate the bite’s circumstances, including the rat’s behavior. If the rat was captured or exhibited unusual behavior, it might be necessary to contact local animal control or public health officials for further guidance, though such instances are rare in the context of rabies.