Is Cat Scratch Fever Dangerous?

As the name implies, cat scratch fever is contracted through a scratch by a cat. However, a scratch isn't the only way a person can get this disease. Cat scratch fever is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Transmission of the bacteria can occur in several says, including a scratch by an infected cat. If bitten by an infected cat, Bartonella henselae can go from the cat's saliva to a person's bloodstream. Another method of transmission, which most people wouldn't think of, is by simply touching a cat. It's possible because since the bacteria is in the cat's saliva, the cat licks its fur. Now the fur and skin contains the bacteria. If someone comes along, pets the cat and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, the bacteria can quickly infect the person.

Symptoms

Once infected, it can take a few weeks before symptoms show up. Unfortunately, many of the symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, aches or headache mimic cold or flu symptoms, making it somewhat hard to recognize cat scratch fever. Also, since the initial contact occurred weeks ago, an infected person probably won't remember being scratched or being around the infected cat. In severe case, a person's lymph nodes may enlarge or they could get an enlarged spleen or even a sore throat.

Susceptibility

Anyone is susceptible to an infection of cat scratch fever, but most healthy people with a fully functioning immune system will fight the infection and recover. Those, however, with a compromised immune system, such as the very young, very old or anyone with a medical condition that weakens their immunity, can be faced with a potentially life threatening condition. When a case is severe, a doctor must be seen and antibiotics must be administered before permanent damage or death occurs.

Prevention

To prevent cat scratch fever, it's very important to always wash your hands after handling a cat, especially a cat that you don't know. If you have an open sore or cut on your hands or arms, always wash the area thoroughly with soap and water after handling a cat. This will help to wash away any bacteria. Of course, it's a good idea to make sure you don't play roughly with a cat, thereby avoiding scratches or bites. And, naturally, if a cat seems angry or is wild, do not handle it at all.

Outcome

In most cases, an infected person will recover with little or no treatment at all. But even in severe cases, as with people who have depressed immune systems, treatment with antibiotics will likely cure them without any lasting effects.

Source: https://health.google.com/health/ref/Cat+scratch+disease