Not the song 'Cat-scratch Fever' by the former rocker Ted Nugent, but cat scratch disease, or Bartonellosis. It is the most common zoonotic disease associated with cats. Bartonella henselae is a gram-negative bacterium that is passed on to kittens and young cats by fleas, or possibly by other biting insects. Older, healthy cats generally do not carry Bartonella henselae because their immune systems are well developed and better able to clear the infection. Adult cats infected with chronic viruses may potentially harbor the bacteria. Kittens and young cats usually do not get sick from the bacteria, but humans can become seriously ill when bitten or scratched by an infected cat. The wound doesn't have to be very deep to cause infection. Washing bites or scratches immediately with anti-bacterial soap is an important step in helping prevent the illness from occurring.
People who contract the bacteria through a bite or a scratch develop a raised, reddened area at the site of the wound. Three to ten days later, their lymph nodes may become very tender and swollen, especially around the head, neck or upper arms. Those infected develop a mild fever, lose weight, develop red, raised bumps on their skin, and experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, pain in the muscles and joints, and nausea.
Most cases of cat scratch disease resolve, but it may take several months to go away even in healthy adults and there are usually no lasting effects. However, in people with compromised immune systems, there may be severe and fatal consequences. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that people who have poorly functioning immune systems from disease, chemotherapy or other disorders avoid kittens and young cats -- and, if they do get bitten or scratched, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Thoroughly wash all cat scratches and bites no matter how small they appear. Take special care to prevent cats from coming into contact with open wounds. Control fleas in the environment because fleas transmit the bacteria to cats and are currently under investigation as possible carriers in transmitting the bacteria directly to humans.
Sharon E. Anderson, DVM
