What a Rat Race: A Case Study of Rat Bite Fever in an Emergency Department

J Emerg Nurs. 2022 Sep;48(5):583-585. doi: 10.1016/j.jen.2022.07.001. Epub 2022 Aug 11.

Abstract

Rat bite fever is an acute illness caused by bacteria from rodents. In the United States, rat bite fever is considered rare; however, actual incidence is unknown because of lack of mandatory disease reporting requirements. Risk of development of rat bite fever after being bitten by a rat is approximately 10%. Early treatment is imperative as death is a potential complication. The following case study demonstrates the gravity of the syndrome.

Keywords: Infectious disease; Rat bite; Rodent bite.

MeSH terms

  • Bites and Stings* / complications
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Rat-Bite Fever* / complications
  • Rat-Bite Fever* / diagnosis
  • Rat-Bite Fever* / drug therapy
  • Streptobacillus*