$Unique_ID{PAR00034}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Cat Scratch Fever}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Cat Scratch Fever bite scratches animal bites Redness Pus Swollen
tender red lymph nodes animals pet pets}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Cat Scratch Fever


Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Cat scratch or bite that does not heal
     - Redness
     - Pus
     - Swollen, tender, or red lymph nodes
     - Low-grade fever

     HOME CARE
     - Immediately scrub cat scratches or bites with soap and water for ten
       minutes.
     - Apply an antiseptic.
     - If the wound becomes infected, see your doctor.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - Do not allow young children to play with cats without supervision.
     - Warn children not to tease cats or any other animals.


     Cat scratch fever is caused most often by a germ--probably a
virus--transmitted by a minor scratch or bite from a kitten or young cat,
which is not itself ill.  The puncture wound or scratch does not heal in the
time expected.  One to two weeks later, the wound is still red, sometimes with
a small amount of pus.  One to six weeks after the incident, the lymph nodes
near the wound become swollen, tender, and red.  The child has a low-grade
fever (100 degrees_F oral, 101 degrees_F rectal).  Eventually the lymph nodes
may break down and discharge pus through the skin.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     The signs of cat scratch fever are a minor cat scratch or bite that has
not healed; large, tender lymph nodes; and a low-grade fever.  There may be
pus in the wound.  If you do not know that your child has been scratched by a
cat, it may be difficult to tell cat scratch fever from any other wound
infection.

HOME CARE

     Scrub all cat scratches and bites immediately with soap and water for ten
minutes.  Then apply an antiseptic.  If the wound becomes infected, see your
doctor.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  Unsupervised play between cats and young children is dangerous to both
     the child and the cat.
  -  Do not allow children to tease or torment cats or any other animals.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will rule out other illnesses by blood tests and cultures.
Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is occasionally helpful.  Cat
scratch fever may require surgical incision and drainage or the complete
removal of a lymph node.

RELATED TOPICS:  Animal bites; Glands, swollen; Puncture wounds