Touching a hamster won't directly cause diseases, but there are certain risks involved. If you touch a hamster and then grab something to eat without washing your hands first, generally you won't get the plague, because pet hamsters usually don't carry the plague virus. However, it's recommended that you wash your hands after touching a hamster to prevent bacterial or viral infections.
The possible health risks that may come with touching a hamster include getting infected by germs, having allergies and so on. When children touch hamsters, they need to pay attention to hygiene and take precautions, because hamsters may carry various germs, such as hantavirus, cytomegalovirus, etc. These viruses can lead to serious diseases. Although the probability of hamsters carrying viruses is relatively low, if they have had contact with wild mice, they may carry relevant viruses and infect humans.
To reduce health risks, the following measures are recommended:
Keep Clean: Regularly clean the hamster's living environment, including the cage, water bottle, food dish, etc., and keep them dry and clean.
Pay Attention to Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands after touching a hamster, especially before meals and after using the toilet, to prevent bacterial or viral infections.
Observe Physical Reactions: Pay attention to observing children's physical reactions after they have contact with hamsters, such as symptoms of allergies or infections.