What should you know about mouse bite tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious illness caused by toxins made by bacteria that can enter damaged skin. A bite does not automatically cause tetanus, but a puncture or contaminated wound can provide an entry point. Protection depends on your vaccination history and the nature of the wound, so a clinician may ask when your last tetanus dose was given.

A mouse bite can also introduce other germs and may injure deeper tissue than it first appears. The wound may become painful, red, warm or swollen, and infection can develop even when the opening looks small.

Wash your hands, then rinse the wound under clean running water and gently clean around it with soap. Do not scrub deeply, seal a puncture with glue, or put irritating substances into the wound. Cover it with a clean dressing and avoid squeezing it.

Arrange prompt medical assessment, especially if the bite is on the hand, face or near a joint, if it is deep, or if bleeding does not settle with steady pressure. Take any vaccination record you have. A clinician can clean the wound further and decide whether tetanus vaccination or other treatment is appropriate.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, loss of movement or feeling, severe swelling, a deep wound, or a bite close to the eye. Seek prompt care if redness spreads, pain worsens, pus appears, fever develops, or you feel unwell.

Tetanus symptoms can include jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing and painful muscle spasms. These symptoms need emergency assessment rather than home observation.

Ask whether the wound needs professional cleaning, whether your tetanus vaccination protection is current, and which changes should prompt a return visit. You can also ask how to dress the wound and whether a bite-related infection needs treatment.