Cat-scratch disease is a disease caused by the bacterial infection of Bartonella henselae carried by cats. These bacteria can enter the human body through cat bites and scratches, or cat licks on open wounds.
The bacterial infection can cause swelling of the lymph nodes accompanied by fever, severe fatigue and decreased appetite. In patients with immune disorders, the disease can cause more serious symptoms in the joints, brain, heart, and other organs.
Symptoms of cat scratch fever will appear in 3 to 14 days. In most people, the disease can heal itself within two to four months. But in certain cases, medications such as antibiotics and pain relievers can be used.
Cat-scratch Disease Symptoms
Symptoms can be seen a few days after being scratched. First, there will usually appear blistered lumps at the site of bites or scratches that often contain pus. From 1 to 3 weeks later, the lymph nodes closest to the lump will begin to swell. Swelling means white blood cells (lymphocytes), which are infectious contrarian cells, multiply and fight bacteria.
Other typical signs and symptoms of cat scratch disease are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Fever
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss.
There may be some signs or symptoms not mentioned above. If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
Cat scratch disease caused by
Cat scratch disease is a disease caused by bites, scratches, or licks from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Cats that are generally infected with the bacteria are usually not yet 1 year old and look healthy from the outside.
Although not classified as a serious disease, this disease will cause quite severe complications in a person with a weakened immune system.
In addition to weakened immunity, the disease is also more common in children than older persons. This is because children tend to have closer contact with their pet cat or kitten.
Cat scratch disease diagnosis
Doctors will be diagnosing the disease based on a history of cat scratches in the near future and the state of the scratch wounds, with water bubbles slightly harsh and reddish. The doctor will also look at the lymph nodes that are swollen and filled with pus and come out through the skin around the clawed part.
Cat scratch disease prevention
- Avoid cat bites or scratches and don’t be rude to cats to avoid their anger.
- Do not let the cat lick the wound open.
- Immediately wash the bites and scratches of the cat with soap and running water.
- Wrap the wound open with the wound cover.
- Keep your pets clean. Pay attention to food and hygiene from fleas.
Cat-scratch Disease Treatment
Unless you have a weakened immune system that cannot function properly, it will disappear in one to two weeks with the help of antibiotics.
The immune system can cope with scratch infections naturally without having to use antibiotics in mild cases.
People with weakened immunity may experience more severe infections and therefore need to use antibiotics for treatment.
If you have this disease, you also need to rest completely until the fever subsides and your body’s energy returns to normal.
People with the cat scratching disease do not need a special diet, but should drink more fluids during fever, which will help lower their body temperature.
You can also use a warm compress on the scratched wound and take pain relievers to help relieve the symptoms of the disease.
Therefore, as a cat owner, you should also be careful if the pet cat suddenly bites or scratches.
When to see a doctor?
If you get cat scratches or bites that get worse or are accompanied by symptoms like the above, check with a doctor immediately.
