Hamsters may carry and transmit a variety of infectious diseases, including bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, fungal infections, and mycoplasma infections, etc. Common diseases include Salmonella infection, enteritis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, skin problems caused by fleas and lice, ringworm infection, and respiratory symptoms, etc.
Types of diseases that hamsters may transmit
- Bacterial infections: For example, Salmonella may cause symptoms such as diarrhea and fever.
- Viral infections: For instance, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus can cause symptoms like fever and headache.
- Parasitic infections: Such as fleas and lice, which may lead to skin itching and redness.
- Fungal infections: Like ringworm infection, it can result in skin scaling and erythema.
- Mycoplasma infections: It may trigger respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and rapid breathing.
Preventive measures
In order to reduce the risk of infection after contact with hamsters, the following measures are recommended:
- Regularly clean the living environment of hamsters to maintain environmental hygiene.
- Wash your hands promptly after contacting hamsters and avoid touching food directly with your hands.
- Regularly clean and disinfect the living environment of hamsters to reduce the chance of pathogen growth.
If you feel unwell after contacting hamsters, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner.