Cat Scratch Fever is also known as Cat Scratch Disease
(CSD). It is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. When a person
contracts this bacteria it is usually because they have been bitten or scratched by cat
(or kitten), which is how the disease got its name. Some symptoms of CSD are swollen
lymph nodes, headache, fatigue, and fever. Certain people may have complications, such
as those undergoing cancer treatments, people who have had an organ transplant, or
people with HIV/AIDS.
Nearly half of all kittens carry
Bartonella henselae at some point in their lives. To avoid getting CSD, it is important
to avoid playing "rough" with kittens or cats, practice proper hand washing after
playing with them, and controlling fleas. This bacteria has also been found in fleas
although the CDC has not found evidence that a flea can bite can transmit
CSD.
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