“Rodents can carry diseases that spread to humans, including hantavirus from wild deer mice, leptospirosis, salmonella, rat-bite fever, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, ringworm, and plague spread by fleas. The risk from healthy pet rodents is low, but wild rodents pose greater risk. Washing hands, avoiding wild rodent droppings, and safe cleaning methods greatly reduce the chances of illness.”
Rodents and people have lived side by side for thousands of years, and some diseases pass between us. That’s no reason to panic about your pet hamster, but it’s worth understanding the risks, especially if you handle rodents, clean up after wild mice, or have young children or a weakened immune system. This guide explains the most important zoonotic (animal-to-human) diseases linked to rodents and how to prevent them.
This article is for general information. If you think you may have been exposed to a disease, contact a healthcare provider.
Key Rodent-Associated Diseases
| Disease | Main Rodent Sources | How It Spreads |
|---|---|---|
| Hantavirus | Wild deer mice and some other wild rodents | Breathing in dust from droppings, urine, or nesting material |
| Leptospirosis | Rats and other rodents | Contact with urine or contaminated water or soil |
| Salmonellosis | Pet and wild rodents | Contact with droppings or contaminated surfaces |
| Rat-bite fever | Rats (pet and wild) | Bites, scratches, or contact with rat saliva |
| LCMV | House mice; occasionally pet rodents | Contact with urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting material |
| Seoul virus | Brown rats, including some pet rats | Contact with urine, droppings, or saliva |
| Plague | Wild rodents such as prairie dogs and ground squirrels | Flea bites or handling infected animals |
| Tularemia | Wild rodents and rabbits | Ticks, flies, or handling infected animals |
| Ringworm | Pet rodents, guinea pigs, chinchillas | Direct skin contact |
| Spotted fever | Ticks associated with capybaras in parts of Brazil | Tick bites |
Hantavirus
In North America, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is mainly linked to wild deer mice. People usually get infected by breathing in dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting material, often while cleaning sheds, cabins, or garages. It’s rare but can be serious. Pet rodents bought from reputable sources are not typically associated with hantavirus in the U.S.
Prevention: never sweep or vacuum rodent droppings dry. Ventilate the area, spray droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak, then wipe up with paper towels while wearing gloves.
Leptospirosis
This bacterial disease spreads through the urine of infected animals, including rats, and can survive in water and soil. People can be infected through cuts or mucous membranes. Symptoms range from flu-like illness to severe disease. Avoid contact with water or soil that may be contaminated by rodent urine.
Salmonella
Pet rodents, like many animals, can carry salmonella bacteria without looking sick. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Wash hands after handling pets or cleaning enclosures, and keep pets and supplies out of kitchens.
Rat-Bite Fever
Rat-bite fever is a bacterial infection that can follow a bite or scratch from a rat, or occasionally contact with rat saliva. Symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain, often appearing days after exposure. It’s treatable with antibiotics. If you develop fever after a rat bite, tell your doctor about the bite. See why pet rodents bite.
LCMV
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus is carried mainly by wild house mice. Rarely, pet rodents have been linked to outbreaks, including an incident in the mid-2000s tied to pet hamsters from a single distributor. LCMV is a particular concern during pregnancy, so pregnant people should avoid contact with wild mice and be cautious around pet rodents.
Seoul Virus
Seoul virus is a type of hantavirus carried by brown rats. In 2017, health officials in the U.S. and Canada investigated an outbreak linked to pet rats from home-based breeding facilities. Buy rats from reputable sources and practice good hygiene.
Plague
Plague still exists in wild rodent populations in parts of the western U.S. and elsewhere, spread mainly by fleas. Prairie dogs and ground squirrels can be affected. Human cases are rare. Avoid handling wild rodents, keep pets away from rodent burrows, and use flea control for dogs and cats in affected areas. See prairie dog facts.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not a worm. Guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other rodents can carry it, sometimes without symptoms. In people, it causes red, circular, itchy patches. It’s treatable, and hand washing helps prevent it. See guinea pig health problems.
Capybaras and Spotted Fever
In parts of Brazil, capybaras are hosts for ticks that can carry Brazilian spotted fever, a serious disease in people. The capybaras themselves aren’t the direct source; the ticks are. Public health guidance focuses on tick avoidance in areas with capybaras. See urban capybaras.
How to Stay Safe With Pet Rodents
- Buy or adopt from reputable breeders, rescues, or stores.
- Quarantine new pets before introducing them to others.
- Wash your hands after handling pets, food, bedding, or cages.
- Supervise young children and teach them not to kiss pets or put hands in mouths.
- Clean enclosures regularly, wearing gloves if you have cuts or a weak immune system.
- Keep pets and their supplies out of kitchens and food areas.
- Take pets to an exotic vet if they seem sick. See signs your rodent is sick.
How to Stay Safe With Wild Rodents
- Seal gaps to keep rodents out of homes. See humane rodent control.
- Clean droppings safely with disinfectant, never by dry sweeping.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Don’t handle wild rodents, dead or alive.
- Avoid feeding wildlife near your home.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can catch a zoonotic disease, but some people face higher risk of serious illness. These include children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system due to illness or medication. Health agencies often advise that these groups take extra precautions with pet rodents, such as having another household member clean enclosures, always washing hands, and considering whether a rodent is the right pet during certain periods. Talking with a doctor or veterinarian can help families make informed choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can pet hamsters make you sick?
The risk is low, but they can carry germs like salmonella. Hand washing is the best protection.
How do you catch hantavirus?
Mainly by breathing in dust contaminated with droppings or urine from infected wild rodents.
Is it safe to kiss a pet rat?
It’s best to avoid kissing pets and to wash hands after handling them.
Should pregnant people avoid rodents?
Pregnant people should avoid wild mice and take extra care with pet rodents because of LCMV. Ask your doctor for advice.