Cat scratch fever, the first thing that comes to mind for me is the song by rock musician Ted Nugent, “Cat Scratch Fever.”

Cat scratch fever is much more than a song, it is also known as cat scratch disease.  For nearly a hundred years cat scratches have been associated with illness in humans.

Cat scratch fever is an uncommon disease. Typically it is a small skin lesion that resembles an insect bite which develops at the site of the cat scratch or cat bite.  Within two weeks your lymph nodes swell  this is also typically accompanied by a fever.

In general, cat scratch disease affects children, mostly under the age of 12. The illness is mild and self-limiting in the majority of patients. However, for some, it may take several months for the swollen lymph nodes to return to normal.

Treatment for scratch disease is generally not required. However, some patients have experienced a spectrum of problems associated with cat scratch disease.  These problems range from hepatitis, tonsillitis, encephalitis, pneumonia and other serious illnesses can occur in patients with a compromised immune system.

There are no simple diagnostic tests for cat scratch disease and most physicians rely on the patient’s history to exposure of a cat.   Other diseases such as lymphoma, brucellosis and tuberculosis can mimic the symptoms of cat scratch disease.

Cat scratch disease is primarily only a concern in homes with people who have a compromised immune system.  Children should be taught not to tease or annoy cats and playing rough is strongly discouraged.  Approaching any situation with common sense is the best way to safeguard against cat scratch disease.

"Hollywood"