That is a hard question. Some people say they can, some say they can't. The strongest argument seems to be that they can not get sick from humans, but then I know someone who's family got really sick and so did the chinchilla...maybe it was cooincidence, but with 110 chinchillas of my own I don't take any chances. When I am sick I wash my hands very well before feeding and watering and I don'thold my chinchillas what I am sick. I may be over reacting but for me its better to be safe than sorry!