Do I need a rabies vaccine if bitten by a hamster?

Rabies vaccine generally refers to the rabies virus vaccine. In most cases, it is recommended to receive the rabies vaccine after a hamster bite. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Although the probability of hamsters transmitting rabies is relatively low, it is not entirely impossible. Rabies is a fatal disease caused by the rabies virus, and once symptoms develop, the mortality rate is extremely high. As a rodent, a hamster may come into contact with other animals carrying the rabies virus in its environment, thus posing a risk of infection. Even a seemingly healthy hamster could be in the incubation period of the rabies virus, making it impossible to determine viral carriage just by appearance. If bitten by a hamster, the virus may enter the human body through the wound. Without timely preventive measures, the virus may remain latent in the body for a period before eventually causing rabies. Early symptoms of rabies may be unnoticeable, but as the disease progresses, severe symptoms such as hydrophobia, aversion to wind, pharyngeal muscle spasms, and progressive paralysis may occur, posing a serious threat to life and health. Therefore, it is important to promptly receive the rabies vaccine after being bitten by a hamster.

During the wound healing period, keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding contact with water and contamination. When interacting with pets in daily life, maintain an appropriate distance and exercise caution to prevent bites or scratches.