Cat scratch disease, also called “CSD”, is a type of bacterial infection. When an infected cat bites a person or licks a wound on the skin, the person becomes infected with the disease. Mild symptoms of infection begin 14 days after exposure to a cat .
What are the symptoms of cat scratch disease?
Some common symptoms of cat scratch disease may include:
- Blisters , sores , or raised skin at the affected area
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Mild fever (between 98.6°F and 100.4°F)
- Body ache
More symptoms of cat scratch disease that are sometimes seen are:
- loss of appetite
- body weight loss
- sore throat
Can cat scratch give you disease?
This infection is mainly caused by a bacteria called “Bartonella henselae”. This bacteria is found in the mouth and paws of about 40 percent of cats. Cats get this bacteria mainly from fleas found on their body.
If a cat infected with Bartonella henselae bites you, or scratches your skin with its claws, you become infected with the bacteria. Apart from this, if there is a wound on your skin and the infected cat licks it, then the Bartonella henselae bacteria reach your body and infect you with cat scratch disease.
How is Cat Scratch Disease treated?
If someone in generally good health gets cat scratch disease, it usually goes away on its own after some time and does not require treatment. Apart from this, this condition can also be treated with the help of some types of OTC medicines (medicines available without a doctor’s prescription), these mainly include Ibuprofen and Naproxen sodium. Swelling and pain can be reduced with the help of these medicines.