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In India in 2024, animals other than dogs bit people 504,728 times. Sadly, about 11 people died from these bites, and many others became very sick. Monkeys caused many of these bites. There are about 50 million monkeys in India now. Because there are fewer green areas, monkeys are causing more problems in towns and cities, and monkey bites are happening more often. If a monkey bites you, you need first aid right away. It’s best to see a doctor within a few hours. The faster, the better. Rabies is a very dangerous disease, so getting medical help and a vaccine quickly is very important. Monkeys can also spread tetanus, germ infections, and sometimes the herpes B virus. Taking the right steps quickly after a monkey bite can really lower the chance of getting a serious infection or other problems. So, before going to the hospital, here’s what to do immediately for a monkey bite:

First aid and what to do after a monkey bite:

Taking care of the bite right away helps stop infections and helps you heal faster. Here’s what to do immediately if a monkey bites you.

Wash the bite very well with soap and running water for 15–20 minutes.

Clean the bite right away with soap and water or an antiseptic like povidone-iodine.
Don't use things like turmeric, lime, or chili because they can make it worse.
If it's bleeding a lot, press it gently with a clean cloth until it slows down.
Go to the doctor quickly, within a few hours if you can, to get shots for rabies and tetanus, and to have the wound looked at.

Watch the bite closely for problems: If it gets red, swollen, or has pus coming out, that's bad. Also, get help fast if you have a lot of pain, a fever, or red lines going up your arm or leg. If you later feel confused or weak, that's also serious and you should not ignore it.