Cat scratch fever is caused by a minor scratch or bite from a kitten or young cat. It is caused by a germ – probably a virus – although the cat is not 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 (37.8°C, oral; 38.3°C, rectal). Eventually the lymph glands 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 hasn’t healed; large, tender lymph nodes; and a low-grade fever. There may be pus in the wound. If you don’t know that your child has been scratched by a cat, it may be difficult to tell cat scratch fever from a wound infected with staph or tuberculosis germs.
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.
• 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 gland.
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