Cat Scratch Fever

Cat Scratch Fever
Cat scratch fever is a bacterial infection caused by close contact with a cat, usually a kitten. Cat bites and scratches are very common, it is estimated that around 50 million people are bitten or scratched every year. Not every person will develop the disease, but some do.
There are several ways to tell if you have come down with cat scratch fever.   Usually within a couple of weeks after being in contact with a cat, one or more lymph nodes close to the area of the lesion will swell and become tender. Other symptoms include; fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, rash, sore throat, and an overall ill feeling. There are also some extremely rare side effects such as; infections of the liver, spleen, bones, joints, or lungs. Some people even get an eye infection known as Parinaud oculoglandular.
Cat scratch fever is not contagious from person to person. The bacteria can only be spread by the scratch or bite of the infected animal. Also, most people who develop the disease are usually immune for the rest of their lives. It usually takes about three days for the area to become swollen and for symptoms to begin. Lymph nodes begin swelling one to four weeks later. The swollen lymph nodes typically disappear within 2 to 4 months, although they occasionally last much longer.
Doctors usually treat cat scratch fever based on a person’s history of exposure with a cat or kitten and a physical examination. A doctor will look for signs of a scratch or bite and swollen lymph nodes. Most cases of cat scratch fever go without any treatment at all. Antibiotics can be used to treat the disease. In some cases people will have to receive a tetanus shot.
All in all, cat scratch fever is not a very threatening disease. Most people will never even develop this disease during their lifetimes. Those that do will not have much trouble getting rid of it. Many people who develop cat scratch fever will not even realize what it is and then take nonprescription...