Cat Scratch Disease

 

This disease is a bacterial infection that causes the lymph nodes to swell. Cat scratch disease is caused usually by someone being bitten, scratched or licked from a cat and around 90% of people who contract this disease have regular contact with cats. The bacteria Bartonella Henselae is transferred through this contact and is found generally worldwide.

 Around 22,000 people are diagnosed with cat scratch disease every year. It tends to affect people under 21 more in the fall and winter seasons. However, it is thought young people are more at risk simply because they tend to play with cats more so have more opportunity to become infected with the bacteria. Cats can carry the bacteria once infected by fleas that transmit the bacteria from an infected cat. Although fleas can transmit the disease form cat to cat it is not currently possible for the flea to transmit the bacteria to humans.

 

 

This disease does not affect cats, and the bacteria once transmitted to a cat will survive in the cat’s saliva for months. The following are symptoms of cat scratch disease.

 

·        A blister or bump appears where the bacteria were transferred. This is the first symptom to occur and is typically found on the hands or arms.

·        Lymph nodes close to the bump will begin to swell or become tender. This swelling will usually last a couple of months.

·        Fever

·        Fatigue

·        Loss of appetite

·        Headache

·        Rash

·        Sore throat

·        Eye infection in rare cases

 

There are uncommon complications for cat scratch disease such as infections of the liver, bones, joints or lungs. There is also the chance of developing brain complications such as seizures.  Luckily cat scratch disease is not contagious between humans and can only be transferred by cat to cat or cat to human.

 

Prevention of Cat Scratch Disease

 

You do not need to rid your home of your family pet in order to prevent cat scratch disease as it is a relatively rare disease. Just try to keep away from stray cats or cats you are unfamiliar with. Discourage rough play with cats and try to avoid your children getting into a situation where the cat may lash out.  If you or another family member does get scratched by a cat, wash the cut thoroughly. Try to wash your hands after handling the cat, and keep on top of fleas with flea collars and other flea treatments.

 

If someone in your family does contract cat scratch disease talk to your vet about it. Your cat will not need to be put to sleep your local veterinary clinic will be able to help you. If you or a member of your family does contract cat scratch disease, take them to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and full treatment. The disease will usually last for about 2 to 4 months after infection with an incubation period of around 10 days at the most before symptoms begin to appear.