Cat-scratch disease is an infection that occurs after your
child is scratched or bitten by a cat.
What causes it?
A bacterium (germ) called Bartonella henselae causes
cat-scratch disease.
The germs spread from the scratch or bite to the
childís lymph nodes (glands).
The germ is found all over the world.
Who can get it?
Anyone can get cat-scratch disease.
It most commonly occurs in children and teens.
People who own cats are also at higher risk.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Within 7 to 12 days a sore can form where he was scratched or
bitten.
Swollen lymph nodes appear within 1 to 3 weeks of the scratch
or bit. These lymph nodes can be sore or painful.
Fever
Tiredness
Loss of appetite
Headache
Is it contagious?
No. Cat-scratch disease cannot be passed from
person-to-person.
You can get it from an infected cat.
There are a few reports of dogs and monkeys also possibly
causing infection.
How is it treated?
In most people, cat-scratch disease clears up without any
treatment.
Antibiotics can be used if his lymph nodes are swollen for
more than two to three months.
If your childís lymph nodes are very large and painful,
your doctor can drain the fluid out of them. A needle is poked
inside the lymph node and the fluid is taken out.
How long does it last?
The swollen lymph nodes can last between 2 to 6 months.
Can it be prevented?
Teach your child to stay away from cats he doesnít
know.
If your child is scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap
and warm water.
Keep fleas away from your cat.
When should I call the doctor?
Call your doctor if your child has a cat scratch or bite that
doesnít go away.
Call your doctor if your child has swollen or painful lymph
nodes after he was scratched or bitten.
Call your doctor if redness around the scratch or bite gets
bigger over three days.
Call your doctor if your child has a fever after he was
scratched or bitten.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about your
childís condition.
Quick Answers
Cat-scratch disease is an infection that occurs after your
child was scratched or bitten by a cat.
It is caused by the bacterium (germ) called Bartonella
henselae.
The germs spread from the site of the scratch or bite to the
lymph nodes (glands).
The most common symptom is swollen lymph nodes that can be
painful. The lymph nodes can remain swollen for two to six
months.
Cat-scratch disease is not contagious from person-to-person.
You can only get it from an infected cat.
If your cat is infected, you do not need to get rid of it.
Cats are usually infectious for only a couple of weeks.
Most people do not need treatment. The infection usually
clears up on its own.
Call your doctor if your child has a cat scratch or bite that
does not go away.
Call your doctor if he has swollen lymph nodes after a cat
scratch or bite.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians. Cat-Scratch Disease.
2002 July. (cited 2002 September 3). URL:
http://familydoctor.org/handouts/024.html
American Academy of Pediatrics. Report of the Comm. on
Infectious Disease. 25th Edition. Cat-Scratch Disease. p.
201-203.
Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health
Promotion and Public Health Education (ASTDHPPHE). Cat-Scratch
Disease. (cited 2002 September 3). URL:
http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html
http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html
KidsHealth for Parents. Cat Scratch Disease. 2001 June. (cited
2002 September 3). URL:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cat_scratch.html
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