Are hamster bites dangerous to people?

According to the Seattle Children's Hospital, hamsters are at no risk for rabies, but they can inflict small puncture wounds that pose a small risk for infection. In most cases, hamster bites do not require medical treatment, but it is important to clean the wound immediately with soap and water.

The National Health Service of Wales explains that the risk of infections associated with hamster bites is rare, occurring in one in 50 cases. Symptoms of infected animal bites include redness and swelling, swollen lymph nodes, liquid or pus drainage from the wound and a high temperature. It is important for anyone experiencing signs of infection to seek immediate medical attention.