CAT-SCRATCH DISEASE

Cat-scratch disease is an infection believed to be caused by a bacteria that is carried on the claws of a cat. The infection spreads to the lymph glands nearest the scratch. It is common in children and young adults who have contact with cats.

Signs and symptoms appear a few days after the injury. First a lump with or without pus or fluid forms at the site. From 1 to 3 weeks later, the lymph glands nearby begin to swell. There may be a low-grade fever, fatigue, and headache.

Symptoms usually resolve in 1 to 2 weeks without specific treatment. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Rest until the fever subsides and your energy returns. No special diet is needed, although fluid intake should be increased during the fever.

• Rest until the fever subsides and energy returns.
• If antibiotics are prescribed, take them until finished.
• Observe scratches from a cat for signs of infection.
• Use caution when handling cats. Teach young children to avoid strange animals.
• If possible, have cats declawed.

• Don't skip doses or stop antibiotics if they have been prescribed.
• Don't isolate the individual infected because the disease is not spread from individual to individual.
• Don't handle strange animals.

• A high fever occurs (temperature of 102° F or above).
• The lymph gland becomes red and painful.
• Red streaks appear near the site of the scratch.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20892
301-496-5717

Web sites:
www.healthfinder.gov(Choose SEARCH to search by topic.)
www.healthanswers.com




Primary lesion of cat-scratch disease is a tender papule occurring 3 to 10 days after a scratch. (From Noble J: Textbook of primary care medicine, ed 2, 1995, St Louis, Mosby. Used by permission.)

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