Wound infections, tetanus infections, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, and rat-bite fever may occur after rat bites, with an incubation period of about 1 to 2 weeks, but all are relatively rare. If bitten by a rat, it is recommended to seek medical attention to dispose of the wound. The incubation period for tetanus ranges from 2 to 50 days, with symptoms including jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and neck or limb straightening; the incubation period for epidemic hemorrhagic fever is about 2 weeks, with symptoms including fever, headache, flushing, conjunctival congestion, and other symptoms; and the incubation period for rat-bite fever is about 1 to 2 weeks, with symptoms including chills, fever, vomiting, headache, and skin rash. Routine disinfection of the wound is needed after a rat bite, which can prevent wound infection. If the wound is deep, tetanus vaccine or immune globulin injection may be needed, which can prevent tetanus infection. Epidemic hemorrhagic fever and rat bite fever are less likely to occur. Epidemic hemorrhagic fever is caused by the hantavirus, which can be caused by the bite of a rat infected with the virus. Rat bite fever is caused by Streptococcus candidus or Helicobacter microti and can be transmitted through rat bites. If you are bitten by a rat, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to assess the condition of the wound and dispose of it.