Can keeping a hamster give you the plague?

Pet hamsters bought through proper channels generally will not be infected with the plague, because legitimate sources quarantine them before selling, and home-kept hamsters stay in their cage with almost no contact with other animals, so there is no chance of plague infection.

Although the risk is low, hamsters still carry some bacteria, so if you are scratched or bitten, rinse the wound promptly with soapy water and then disinfect it with iodine or alcohol. Normally you should clean the cage regularly and bathe the hamster regularly to keep it clean and tidy.