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By Mayo Clinic staffIf an animal bites you, seek medical attention for the wound. Also tell the doctor about the circumstances of your injury. The doctor will ask:
- What animal bit you?
- Was it a wild animal or a pet?
- If it was a pet, do you know to whom the animal belongs?
- Can you describe the animal's behavior before it bit you? Was the animal provoked?
- Were you able to capture or kill the animal after it bit you?
What you can do in the meantime
Wash your wound with soap and water. This may help wash away the virus.
If the animal that bit you can be contained or captured without causing more injury, do so. For instance, if a bat has entered your house:
- Use a coffee can or similar object to cover the bat once it lands on a wall.
- Slide a piece of cardboard over the top of the can.
- Tape the cardboard down so the bat can't escape.
Tell your doctor that you have captured the animal that bit you. Your doctor may then contact the local health department to determine what to do with the animal.
- Di Quinzio M, et al. Rabies risk among travelers. Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2008;178:567.
- DeMaria A. Patient information: Rabies. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Manning SE, et al. Human rabies prevention - United States, 2008. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2008;57:1.
- General questions & answers about rabies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/print.do?url=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/rabies/qanda/general.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- About rabies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/print.do?url=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/rabies/about.html. Accessed Dec. 22, 2008.
- What to do if you have a potential rabies exposure. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/print.do?url=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/types.html. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
