$Unique_ID{BRK00938}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What is "Cat Scratch Disease"?}
$Subject{cat scratch fever child}
$Volume{A, N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Cat Scratch Disease"?


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QUESTION:  Chalk up another unknown disease for young parents to deal with.
This time our youngster has come up with "cat scratch disease", which our
doctor assures us really exists.  The advice to be patient, "there is nothing
to worry about", and the lack of any medication has done little to make us
feel secure.  Can you offer us some explanations?

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ANSWER:  Yes there is such a disease, first described almost 40 years ago,
with enough cases reported since then to provide sufficient proof that it is a
real disease.  It is more frequent in the fall and winter, occurs most often
in patients under the age of 21, affects all races and all sexes.  First you
need a cat, and then evidence of a scratch or skin lesion.  A small pimple
like lesion can occur at the site of the scratch about 3 tom 10 days later.
This is followed by the appearance of swollen and tender lymph glands
approximately 2 weeks after the scratch.  In many cases this is the only
finding, although some patients experience high fevers, headaches, and fatigue
and sickly feelings.  Only about 5 percent of the patients develop a measles
like rash.  When the diagnosis is in doubt, a skin test can be performed that
will help make the diagnosis.  A biopsy of a swollen gland may also be
performed which can show the typical tissue pattern.  The disease is not
transmitted from person to person so no isolation or quarantine of your
youngster is needed.  The good news is that the prognosis is excellent and
that no other treatment is required.  The glands should disappear on their own
in from two to six months.  The immunity gained to the disease after this
episode appears to last for a lifetime.  Your cat may also have a long life as
there is no indication that makes disposing of the family pet an essential,
but declawing your animal can prevent further episodes to other members of
your family.
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.
