Do hamsters carry infectious diseases?

Hamsters generally do not carry infectious diseases. Although they are rodents, as pet hamsters kept indoors they rarely contact other animals and seldom leave their cage, so they are unlikely to carry anything infectious. Wild hamsters, however, may carry parasites, plague, or hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, so be careful when handling them.

If you are bitten by a hamster, squeeze the dirty blood from the wound, rinse with soapy water for 15–20 minutes, then apply iodine disinfectant. If the wound shows infection or other abnormal symptoms, seek medical care promptly.