sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Rat-bite fever: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for symptoms that may indicate sepsis or another serious complication, including:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Confusion, fainting, or being difficult to wake
    • Severe weakness or rapid worsening
    • Blue, grey, or unusually pale skin or lips
    • Severe chest pain
    • A widespread purple rash that does not fade when pressed

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange urgent, same-day medical advice if you develop fever, vomiting, a new rash, or significant joint pain after contact with a rat or another rodent.

    This applies even if there was no known bite or the wound has already healed.

    Also seek prompt care if a bite or scratch becomes increasingly painful, red, warm, swollen, or starts draining fluid.

    Redness spreading away from the wound or fever after a bite needs assessment.

    It becomes urgent if fever returns, symptoms worsen, or new breathing, heart, or neurological symptoms develop.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after treatment to review recovery and test results.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rat-bite fever. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.