Related Topics
Childhood Illnesses
Home Remedies
Pets and Kids

Cat scratch disease is an infection that causes swelling of the lymph nodes (swollen glands) after an animal scratch - most often from a cat. Bartonella Henselae is the bacterium that causes cat scratch disease. It is found in all parts of the world, and over 80% of cases affect those under age 21. Most cases occur in fall and winter. In the United States, about 22,000 cases occur annually. Worldwide, the disease affects nine out of every 100,000 persons each year and multiple cases within families are common, especially those who have the same cat. A cat with Bartonella Henselae infection does not look sick. Experts believe that up to 44% of cats have Bartonella Henselae infections at some time in their lives.

About 55% to 70% of people with the infection have a cat scratch somewhere on their bodies.

A blister or a small bump often develops 3 to 10 days after the scratch and may be mistaken for an insect bite. It is most commonly found on the arms and hands, head, and scalp.

Usually within 2 weeks of a cat scratch, lymph nodes (glands) close to the area of the blister will swell and become tender. These swollen lymph nodes appear most often in the underarm area, neck, and above the collar bone. They range in size from 1 to 5 cm in diameter (about 1/2 inch to 2 inches) and may be surrounded by a larger area of swelling under the skin. The swollen lymph nodes may also be painful or tender, and the skin over them may be red. Swollen lymph nodes usually disappear within 2 to 6 months in nearly all cases. Having one episode of cat scratch disease usually makes people immune for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms usually begin 1 to 6 weeks after swollen lymph nodes appear and are severe for 1 to 2 weeks. These can include the following:

In most children and adolescents, swollen lymph nodes are the main symptom of the disease. About 1/3 of people with cat scratch disease have other, more generalized symptoms such as:

fever (usually less than 101 degrees F or 38.3 degrees C)
fatigue
loss of appetite
headache
a general sick feeling

Cat scratch disease does not appear in its usual form in about 9% to 14% of cases. Instead, it may appear in a form called Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome, with the following symptoms:

An inoculation site that looks like a small sore on the conjunctiva (membrane lining the eye surface) of one eye
Swollen lymph nodes in the area around the ears
Redness of the involved eye
About 2% of people with cat scratch disease have symptoms that may include seizures.

Other unusual forms of cat scratch disease include osteomyelitis (bone infection), pneumonia (lung infection), liver and spleen abscesses, and prolonged fevers without any other findings.

Cat scratch disease is not contagious from person to person. It is transmitted by the scratch of an infected animal, most often a kitten. Kittens or cats may carry this bacterium in their blood for months. Cats with this bacterium do not need to be put to sleep.

Prevention:

Teaching children to avoid stray or unfamiliar cats can prevent cat scratch disease.

If your child is scratched by a pet, even one of your own, wash the injured area thoroughly with soap and water.

If you have a cat in your home, ask your veterinarian's advice about having the cat declawed.

If you suspect that someone in your family has caught cat scratch disease from your family pet, you don't need to worry that the animal will need to be put to sleep.

Call your pediatrician if:

Anytime your child has swollen and/or painful lymph nodes in any area of the body.

Your child displays any combination of the symptoms listed above

Your child appears very ill

Home Remedy:

A child with cat scratch disease doesn't need to be isolated from other family members. Bed rest is not necessary, but it may help a child with cat scratch disease who tires easily. If your child feels like playing encourage quiet play, taking care to avoid injuring areas of swollen lymph nodes.

For swollen lymph nodes, try moist compresses of salty water.

Related Topics
Childhood Illnesses
Home Remedies
Pets and Kids

Robyn's Nest Quick Link Back One Page Home Page Pregnancy Birth-3 Months 3-6 Months 6-9 Months 9-12 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 5 Years You can also do a Keyword Search

© 1996-2005 by NYBOR, LLC All rights reserved.
All material on this Internet site is protected by U.S. and international copyrights. Only personal use of such material is permitted. By accessing this page and this site, you expressly agree and consent to the foregoing terms and conditions.
Legal Statement
Privacy Statement

Children's Health