Rat bite fever
can be carried and transmitted by hamsters and most rodents, but this is a rare occurrence. You honestly (statistically speaking) have more of a chance of getting struck by lightning on the drive to get your hamster than you are to actually get rat bite fever! Of course, proper hygiene is crucial with all new animals- including cats and dogs, which are more likely to spread disease to you than a hamster. The reason the story was so big was because the child died. There's more to that story than was shared, no disrespect to this child nor his family- as losing your child is a horrific tragedy. However, what they fail to mention is that there are in fact many symptoms that will occur, and a child who is healthy, could fight off RBF no problem. Big stories come out
because they're rare. The flu kills more people yearly than rat bite fever, but nobody reports that because it's common, and nobody sues anyone. It's really not a worry if you're healthy, hygienic, and have common sense
