Cat Scratch Fever

What is cat scratch disease?

Cat scratch disease, also called cat scratch fever is an infection caused by bacteria that is carried in cat
saliva. Cat scratch disease usually occurs when an effected cat scratches or bites
a person, usually a child. Cats can get the bacteria on his claws after licking
himself. This bacterium is also known as Bartonella hensel.

You can also be infected with the disease in the eyes after rubbing a cat that
has the bacteria on his fur and then rubbing your eyes.

Cat scratch disease seems to occur more often in the fall and winter. There are
approximately 22,000 cases of cat scratch disease each year. People under the
age of 21, especially children are more prone to be infected with the disease,
perhaps because they are more likely to play with cats and risk being bitten.

Experts believe that almost half of all cats have a Bartonella hensel infection
at some point in their lives, usually occurring in cats less than 1 year old.
Researchers believe cats get the bacteria from fleas, although this has not been
proven. The disease does not make cats sick, although they may carry the bacteria
for months. Cat scratch is not contagious from person to person. At times, multiple
illnesses may occur within the same family however, it is most likely from being
in contact with the same cat.

Symptoms

Cat scratch disease is not a severe illness in people who are healthy. However,
it can be a potential problem in people with weak immune systems. Most people
who contract cat scratch disease may recall being around a cat but not being scratched
or bitten.

A small bump or blister usually develops with 3 to 10 days after being bite. Sometimes
it is mistaken for an insect bite. The sore is generally not painful although
it may take a long time to heal.

Within a few weeks of the bite, an infection of the lymph nodes around the site
of the scratch or bite will develop. The swollen lymph nodes most often appear
in the underarm or neck area, however if the sore is on the leg, lymph nodes in
the groin are will be affected. The size of the infected nodes ranges between
½ to 2 inches in diameter. They may become warm and red, and occasionally
drain pus.

In most children and adolescents, the swollen lymph nodes are the primary symptom
of cat scratch disease. About a third of those infected have flu-like symptoms
such as, fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, sore throat, and even a rash.

Those who are infected in the eye may get Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, a
problem similar to conjunctivitis ("pink eye") which usually affects
only one eye and is accompanied by nearby swollen lymph nodes and fever.

In more serious cases of cat scratch disease a person my develop infections of
the liver, spleen, bone, joints and lungs.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will probably be able to diagnose cat scratch disease based on the
fact that a person remembers being bitten or scratched by a cat, and then became
infected with painful and swollen lymph nodes. In children, cat scratch disease
is the most common cause of prolonged swelling of lymph nodes in a localized area.
If needed a blood test may be performed to help your doctor make a diagnosis.

Treatment

In most people, cat scratch disease clears up without any treatment. Antibiotics
may be needed in cases where the lymph nodes stay painful and swollen for two
or three months. Antibiotics can also be useful if you have a fever for a long
time or if the infection is in the bones, liver or other organ. In some cases
a physician may need to drain the lymph node to help relieve the pain if it is
very large and painful.

Prevention

It is not usually necessary to get rid of your cat in order to prevent the disease.
Having your cat de-clawed may help curb infections. It is also important to wash
your hands each time after handling your cat. If your child is bitten or scratched
by the family cat, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. Because the illness
is relatively rare and usually mild, there is no need to panic. Keeping your cat
and home free of fleas will reduce the risk that your cat will become infected.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your doctor if your child has swollen or painful lymph nodes, or if your
child has been bitten by an animal. Call your doctor if the area around the scratch
or bite continues to get bigger, or if it does not heal within a reasonable amount
of time. Also call if your child has a fever that last several days after receiving
a bite or scratch.

If your child has been diagnosed with cat scratch disease and seems not to be
improving or is getting sicker be sure to call your doctor.