What is cat scratch disease?
Cat-scratch disease (also known as cat-scratch fever) is a bacterial infection that enters the human body through a flea bite or scratch, and also when an animal bites you (and you have an open cut on your skin).
A cat is infected with the bacteria that causes this disease when it is bitten by a flea.
Usually, the disease does not cause serious complications and resolves on its own within a few weeks or months. However, in the case of a weak immune system, as well as when the symptoms do not improve even after several weeks, treatment is necessary - based on the diagnosis, according to the conclusion of the appropriate laboratory analysis, you will be prescribed antibiotic therapy.
Keep in mind, cat scratch disease rarely causes serious damage, although sometimes hospitalization is necessary, for example, statistically, about 500 people in the United States go to the clinic each year due to this complaint.
Anyone who is around a cat is at risk of cat-scratch fever, although the diagnosis is more common in children under the age of 15.
Symptoms appear within 3-10 days after being bitten or scratched.
The following signs are characteristic:
- Rashes;
- Cysts or nodules under the skin;
- Swollen, painful lymph nodes;
- Fever;
- Muscle, bone or joint pain;
- Weight loss or loss of appetite;
- Fatigue.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23537-cat-scratch-fever
