If a person gets bit by a rat but with the skin intact without bleeding, can Injection TT and ARV be taken after 8 hrs ?
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WHO rabies exposure category intact skin no post exposure prophylaxis tetanus wound management animal bite
If the skin is truly intact, with no puncture, scratch, abrasion, or saliva contacting eyes/mouth/open skin:
- ARV (anti-rabies vaccine) is generally not needed. This is WHO Category I exposure, for which washing the area with soap and running water is advised but no rabies PEP is required. See the WHO rabies exposure categories.
- TT/tetanus injection is also not usually required when there is no wound. Tetanus protection should otherwise be kept up to date through routine boosters.
If there is even a tiny tooth mark, scratch, broken skin, or doubt that the skin was broken, get assessed today. A non-bleeding scratch or abrasion can be Category II and may require ARV. The fact that 8 hours have passed does not make vaccination ineffective, so it can still be started if a clinician finds an exposure that needs it.
Wash the site thoroughly now with soap and running water for about 15 minutes. Rats rarely transmit rabies, but local public-health recommendations and whether the skin was actually breached matter.
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