$Unique_ID{BRK01143}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Fears About "Cat-scratch" Disease}
$Subject{cat-scratch zoonose animals}
$Volume{A, N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Fears About "Cat-scratch" Disease


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QUESTION:  Can you tell me anything about an infection called "cat-scratch"
disease?  My friend's daughter has it and I am wondering if my daughter will
now catch it.  Does the cat have to be destroyed?  Your answer will help many
anxious mothers resolve their fears.

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ANSWER:  Cat-scratch disease is a common "zoonose", the name applied to a
disease that can be passed from animals to humans.  It's not a serious
disease, and is usually self-limited.
     About 80 percent to 90 percent of cases of cat-scratch disease happen in
people under age 21 In most cases, a person who has been in contact with a cat
has a small cut or scratch that either blisters or crusts over.  Within a
week, the person has swollen lymph nodes, and the patient may feel tired,
listless, and lack appetite.  The patient may or may not run a mild fever.
All symptoms are usually gone in about two weeks.  On occasion, there are more
severe complications, including conjunctivitis and more rarely encephalitis.
The disease is almost never fatal.  The infection is not "catching" in that it
is not passed from one child to another, but only from animal to human.
     A cat that carries cat-scratch disease is not ill since the disease
organism is normal to cats.  Because the disease is not serious, and does not
occur to everyone who owns a cat, there is no reason to get rid of a pet, to
put it to sleep, nor should the animal be quarantined.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
