Cat scratch fever virus bacteria

Teach your child to respect animals and not provoke them. Urge your child not to pick up strange cats. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. Tell your doctor of any cat scratches in the previous 2 weeks. Laboratory skin test to confirm the diagnosis. A swollen lymph gland becomes painful and red.

This may indicate that a doctor should open and drain the infected gland. Toxocara Toxocariasis, Visceral Larva Migrans. Breast Abscess. Popular posts. Cat-Scratch Fever Disease host - January 12, Breast Abscess Disease January 8, Bronchiolitis Disease January 6, Acute Bronchitis Disease January 4, Popular categories. When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about cat scratch fever Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by a bacterium in cat saliva.

The disease causes redness and swelling at the site of a cat scratch or bite, and flu-like symptoms. If you are scratched or bitten by a cat or kitten, it is important to promptly wash the area with soap and water. Cat scratch disease can be treated by antibiotics. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. A person with CSD may also have a fever, headache, poor appetite, and exhaustion. Wash cat bites and scratches well with soap and running water. Do not allow cats to lick your wounds.

Contact your doctor if you develop any symptoms of cat scratch disease or infection. CSD is caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. Kittens younger than 1 year are more likely to have B. Kittens are also more likely to scratch and bite while they play and learn how to attack prey.

Cats can get infected with B. By scratching and biting at the fleas, cats pick up the infected flea dirt under their nails and between their teeth. Cats can also become infected by fighting with other cats that are infected. The germ spreads to people when infected cats bite or scratch a person hard enough to break their skin.

The germ can also spread when infected cats lick at wounds or scabs that you may have. Although rare, CSD can cause people to have serious complications. CSD can affect the brain, eyes, heart, or other internal organs. These rare complications, which may require intensive treatment, are more likely to occur in children years of age and people with weakened immune systems.