Are Hamsters Dangerous To Humans?

No! Hamsters are not dangerous for humans. But when kept in unhygienic conditions or not properly tamed, they can become carriers of diseases.

The tiny furry friend is a great pet for young kids at home but demands proper care too. The risk of danger from hamsters to humans is just 1%. To avoid, take their care properly.

Can Humans Get Diseases From Hamsters?

Yes! Hamsters can carry diseases, most of which are harmless and non-risky for humans. Yet, the probability of humans getting diseases from humans is still there.

What Are The Diseases That Hamsters Can transmit?

Hamsters are one of the best pets to have in the house. With a friendly and social nature, you can tame them easily without any problem.

Quite a hygiene and cleanliness-friendly pet, hamsters, can sometimes carry and transmit diseases to humans. A few prominent diseases transmitted by hamsters are:

Dermatophytosis

It is a skin infection which is also known as ringworm. It is transmitted when a human comes in contact with infected skin, skin flakes, or the fur of the pet. It causes red, itchy, and dry skin, usually around 2-4 weeks to cure.

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

It is a viral infection caused by mice. A hamster in contact with infected mice can get LCM. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause severe congenital disabilities.

Rabies and Salmonellosis

Quite a common disease, it is a viral infection. It has various clinical signs and affects the nervous system. It can cause diarrhea too. It is caused when a hamster bites you or you are in contact with their feces.

Tapeworms and tularemia

Both these can get transferred to humans as well. These are the bacterial infections that can cause fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and skin ulcers. These are usually cured in 4-5 weeks.

How To Know If A Human Is Infected By The Hamster’s Bite?

Hamsters usually do not bite humans, but when irritated or angry, there are chances they may try to bite you. If the hamster bites you, look for the below-mentioned symptoms to know if it is infected:

Check if there is wellness, redness, or pain lasting for more than 24 hours.
Check for any kind of discharge from the infected area.
Check for red streaks running up from the bite.
Tenderness or pain around the elbow or armpit while moving your hand.
Stiffness of limbs and fingers causing loss of mobility.
Continued fever or chills.

How To Avoid Catching Disease From Hamsters?

Hamsters are easy to handle and tame. While there are chances that they may carry the disease, it is equally important to know how to avoid the same. The quick tips to avoid catching diseases from hamsters are as follows:

Ensure to wash your hands every time you hold, feed, clean, or interact with the hamster in any manner.
Keep the cage of the hamster clean and properly ventilated.
While taking hamsters out of the cage, ensure they do not come in contact with wild rodents.
Avoid kissing the hamster as the infection can spread easily with saliva.
Contact the veterinary expert at regular intervals to check for infections or worms that might impact the hamster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hamsters Harmful To Humans?

To some extent, yes! Hamsters are small and friendly animals. They are easy to tame and usually not harmful to humans. But when given proper attention, they can transmit diseases to humans as well. Ensuring they live in clean and healthy spaces can reduce the chances of hamsters being harmful greatly.

Are Hamsters Bites Harmful To Humans?

Hamsters are calm and never bite. But when irritated or angry, they might act aggressively and try to bite you. The bites are often small and superficial. It does not have the potential to cause deep puncture wounds. Make sure to clean with water and soap immediately to avoid infection.

Are Hamsters Mites Harmful To Humans?

Not really! Most hamster mites are restricted to hamsters only. They are usually not transmitted to humans, but you can also get caught in between if the infection is high. Mites are very hard to be seen with naked eyes. It is advisable to connect with a vet even with a small sign of infection.

Is Hamster Poop Harmful To Humans?

Hamsters are great pets. They love keeping their fur and surroundings clean. The hamsters usually do not spread diseases; their feces can be dangerous. They can carry bacteria like Salmonella or viruses causing lymphocytic choriomeningitis. Sanitize your hands every time you clean the cage.

Conclusion

Hamsters are very playful and friendly by nature. They are nocturnal, smart, and are quite social, making them an ideal pet for homes with small kids.

But at the same time, you are required to ensure that the hamster’s surroundings are clean and taken to the vet at regular intervals.

Give them proper space and allow them to have recreational time too. So, if you get a hamster, make sure to take care of them properly. Befriend them as it will make them happy and connected with you.