Hamster bites themselves are not poisonous, but they may lead to bacterial infections and the spread of diseases.
After being bitten by a hamster, although it won't release toxic substances like some other animals do, it may spread bacteria and viruses, resulting in some health problems. Specifically, the following diseases may be contracted after being bitten by a hamster:
Plague: This is an infectious disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Symptoms include chills, high fever, severe headache, etc. Although the possibility that domestic hamsters carry the plague bacillus is relatively low, vigilance is still needed.
Rat-bite fever: It is caused by Spirillum minus or Streptobacillus moniliformis. Symptoms include chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc. Usually, this disease can be controlled with antibiotic treatment.
Rabies: Although hamsters don't often carry the rabies virus, if bitten by a hamster carrying the virus, there is still a possibility of contracting rabies.
Hemorrhagic fever: It is caused by viruses and may lead to symptoms such as fever, bleeding, shock, etc. Common types of hemorrhagic fever include epidemic hemorrhagic fever, etc.
To prevent these diseases, the following treatments should be carried out immediately after being bitten by a hamster:
Clean the wound: Use soap and clean water to thoroughly clean the wound to remove dirt and bacteria.
Disinfect: Use alcohol or iodine to disinfect the wound and keep it clean.
Seek medical treatment: If the wound is deep or there are symptoms such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or fever, seek medical treatment in time. It may be necessary to receive vaccinations or take antibiotics.
In addition, understanding the behavioral habits of hamsters also helps prevent being bitten:
Avoid scaring: Hamsters may bite when they are scared, so don't startle them suddenly.
Avoid provoking: Don't provoke or irritate hamsters, especially when they feel uneasy or threatened.
Regular check-ups: If the hamsters come from the wild or their health conditions are unclear, it is recommended to take them for regular health check-ups.
Through the above measures, health problems that may occur after being bitten by a hamster can be effectively prevented and dealt with.