What should I do if I've been bitten by a mouse?

Management of Mouse Bites

If you've been bitten by a mouse, immediately clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply a virucidal agent such as povidone-iodine solution to prevent infection and potential rabies transmission. 1, 2

Immediate Wound Care

• Clean the bite wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection 1, 2
• Apply a virucidal agent such as povidone-iodine solution to the wound 1, 2
• Assess the wound for depth, location, and potential damage to underlying structures 3
• For deep wounds or those on the hands, seek medical attention promptly 4

Medical Evaluation

• Seek medical evaluation for proper wound assessment, especially for:
  • Bites on the hands or face 4
  • Deep puncture wounds 4
  • Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, discharge) 3
  • Immunocompromised individuals 3

Antibiotic Considerations

• Antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for high-risk wounds:
  • Hand bites (significantly reduces infection risk) 4
  • Deep puncture wounds 4
  • Wounds with signs of infection 3
  • Amoxicillin/clavulanate is the first-line prophylactic antibiotic for animal bites 3

Rabies Risk Assessment

• Determine if the mouse was wild or domestic 1
• Wild mice that bite humans should be euthanized and tested for rabies when possible 1
• Consult with local health department about rabies risk in your area 1, 2
• If the mouse cannot be captured for observation or testing, discuss rabies prophylaxis with your healthcare provider 2

Tetanus Prophylaxis

• Review tetanus immunization status 5
• Administer tetanus toxoid if vaccination is not current (more than 5 years since last dose) 5

Follow-up Care

• Monitor the wound for signs of infection (increasing pain, redness, swelling, warmth, discharge) 3
• Return for medical care if signs of infection develop 3
• For severe or persistent infestations in your home, contact pest control professionals 1

Rodent Control Measures

• Wear protective gloves (rubber, latex, vinyl, or nitrile) when handling dead rodents 1, 6
• Use spring-loaded traps with peanut butter as bait to catch mice 1, 6
• Double-bag dead rodents for disposal and disinfect traps before reuse 1, 6
• Implement preventive measures to avoid future rodent infestations:
  • Store food in rodent-proof containers 1, 6
  • Eliminate clutter where rodents might nest 1, 6
  • Seal entry points greater than ¼-inch in diameter 1