Rat-bite Fever

Rat-bite fever is an acute infectious disease caused by bites from domestic rats and other rodents.

Common Symptoms

Chills; inflammation; pleural effusion; roseola; ecchymosis; meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

The pathogens are Spirillum minus and Streptobacillus moniliformis. The former is transmitted by rodents (rats, cats, squirrels, pigs, lab mice); the latter also by contaminated milk/food. Streptobacillary form has a short incubation (~10 days) with fever/chills followed by generalized measle-like rash involving palms/soles. Spirillary form has a longer incubation (1-4 weeks) with sudden high fever/chills, local inflammation/ulceration, lymphangitis, and roseola-like erythema that enlarges to purplish indurated plaques.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Control rat density and conduct rat extermination. Install 25-30 cm thresholds or rat guards on doors. Prevent bites; lab workers should wear gloves; if bitten, besides local treatment, give penicillin prophylaxis (adults 1.2 million U/day, children 0.8 million U/day) for 3 days.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.