Do I Have Cat Scratch Disease (Cat Scratch Fever)?

Have you recently been bitten or scratched by a cat, hard enough to break the surface of your skin?

Has your cat recently licked an open wound on your skin?

Do you have a cat scratch or bite that is not healing?

Do you have a red bump, sore, or blister at the site of the scratch or bite?

Do you have swelling at the site of the scratch or bite?

Do you have a low grade fever (under 102°F)?

Do you have a headache?

Do you feel tired or fatigue?

Do you have poor appetite?

Do you have a bone or joint pain?

Do you have painful or swollen glands, especially under the arms (if scratched on the arm or hand), or in the groin (if scratched on the foot or leg)?

Do you have a body rash?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease (CSD) or cat scratch fever is an infection caused by a bacterium called Bartonella henselae. The infection is spread by cats. Nearly 40 percent of cats will have these bacteria at some point in their lives, mostly as kittens. Cat owners and anyone who spends time with or interacts with cats are at risk for CSD. It is estimated that 12,000 people in the US are diagnosed with CSD each year. Most of them are women and children aged 5 to 9. Cats that carry bacteria often do not look sick.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have cat scratch disease (CSD). CSD is a bacterial infection that is transmitted to people by cat bites or scratches. The infection is caused by a bacterium Bartonella henselae which lives in cat saliva. Therefore, you can become infected if a cat licks your eyes or an open wound on your skin. The symptoms appear within 10 days after the bite or scratch. In healthy people, CSD is not a serious condition, while people with weakened immune system may develop complications. Diagnosing is based on your history of exposure to cats, physical examination and blood tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have cat scratch disease. Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection that spreads by cats. People can get it after being bitten, scratched or licked by cats or kittens. CSD is caused by bacteria (Bartonella henselae) that are more common in kittens younger than one year. You should contact your doctor if a cat scratch or bite becomes red or swollen. Usually, CSD clears up without treatment, but your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, applying heat compresses to the affected area or antibiotics.