Context: Pregnant people are often warned to avoid hamsters...
Why: The idea is that hamsters carry dangerous diseases
Actually: Hamsters themselves are not inherently dangerous during pregnancy.
But it's not quite that simple...
An explanation
The concern is that they, like other rodents, can sometimes carry infections that could pose a risk to a developing fetus.
What diseases?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV)
Hamsters, mice, and other rodents can carry the virus without appearing sick. A pregnant person who becomes infected has an increased risk of miscarriage or serious birth defects affecting the baby's brain, eyes, and nervous system.
Salmonellosis
While this usually causes gastrointestinal illness, severe infection during pregnancy can occasionally lead to complications.
This is not an exhaustive list, but are the primary concerns.
Transmission
People generally do not get these infections from simply being near a hamster.
Transmission is more likely through:
- Cleaning the cage or handling bedding contaminated with urine or droppings.
- Touching the hamster and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes without washing your hands.
- Being bitten (less common for LCMV, but bites can transmit bacteria).
Reducing risk
If you're pregnant and have a pet hamster:
- Have someone else clean the cage if possible.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the hamster or anything in its enclosure.
- Avoid kissing the hamster or holding it close to your face.
- Keep the cage clean and well-ventilated.
- If you acquire a new hamster during pregnancy, consider waiting until after delivery if possible, since it's harder to know whether a newly acquired rodent is carrying LCMV.
All in all...
Is it safe to have a hamster while pregnant?
For most people, yes. You do not usually need to rehome a pet hamster because you're pregnant. The key is practicing good hygiene and, if possible, avoiding direct contact with urine, droppings, and cage-cleaning duties.
If you develop a fever, muscle aches, severe headache, or flu-like symptoms during pregnancy after exposure to a rodent, it's important to contact your healthcare provider promptly and mention the exposure, as these symptoms can be consistent with LCMV or other infections.
