Rabies Vaccine is NOT Required After Rat Bites
Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is not indicated for rat bites because small rodents including rats are not reservoirs of rabies virus and have never been documented to transmit rabies to humans. 1
Risk Assessment for Rat Bites
Small rodents (rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, and squirrels) are extremely low-risk species for rabies transmission, even in areas with endemic wildlife rabies. 2, 3
According to CDC surveillance data from 1990-1996 in areas where raccoon rabies was endemic, rats were not significantly represented in rabies statistics among rodents—woodchucks accounted for 93% of the 371 rodent rabies cases during this period. 1
The FDA drug label for rabies immune globulin explicitly states that "bites from squirrels, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, rats, mice, other small rodents, rabbits, and hares almost never require antirabies post-exposure prophylaxis." 4
Appropriate Wound Management Instead
Since rabies prophylaxis is not needed, focus on proper wound care and other preventive measures:
Immediate wound washing: Thoroughly wash and flush the bite wound with soap and water for 15 minutes as soon as possible. 4, 5
Apply virucidal agent: After washing, apply povidone-iodine solution to the wound. 2, 3
Tetanus prophylaxis: This is mandatory for rat bites, as most patients are deficient in tetanus immunity. 6
Bacterial infection risk: The primary concern with rat bites is bacterial infection (including rat bite fever), not rabies—consider appropriate antibiotic treatment if the wound becomes infected. 3, 6
When to Consult Public Health Authorities
If the rat exhibited highly unusual behavior, consultation with local public health authorities is warranted, though rabies remains extremely unlikely even in these circumstances. 3
In all cases involving rodents, the CDC recommends that state or local health departments should be consulted before initiating post-exposure prophylaxis. 1
Critical Distinction from High-Risk Species
Do not confuse rat bite management with bites from high-risk species:
Bats are documented rabies reservoirs in all 49 continental United States and require immediate post-exposure prophylaxis. 2
Wild terrestrial carnivores (raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes) are high-risk species that typically require immediate prophylaxis after a bite. 1, 2
Unlike these high-risk animals, rats have never been known to transmit rabies to humans. 1