Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Cat Scratch Disease

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Susan Kinzer, M.P.H.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: October 2002
Last Revision Date: October 2002

• What is cat-scratch disease?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is cat-scratch disease?

• Cat-scratch disease is an infection that occurs after your child is scratched or bitten by a cat.

What causes it?

• A bacterium (germ) called Bartonella henselae causes cat-scratch disease.
• The germs spread from the scratch or bite to the childís lymph nodes (glands).
• The germ is found all over the world.

Who can get it?

• Anyone can get cat-scratch disease.
• It most commonly occurs in children and teens.
• People who own cats are also at higher risk.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Within 7 to 12 days a sore can form where he was scratched or bitten.
• Swollen lymph nodes appear within 1 to 3 weeks of the scratch or bit. These lymph nodes can be sore or painful.
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Is it contagious?

• No. Cat-scratch disease cannot be passed from person-to-person.
• You can get it from an infected cat.
• There are a few reports of dogs and monkeys also possibly causing infection.

How is it treated?

• In most people, cat-scratch disease clears up without any treatment.
• Antibiotics can be used if his lymph nodes are swollen for more than two to three months.
• If your childís lymph nodes are very large and painful, your doctor can drain the fluid out of them. A needle is poked inside the lymph node and the fluid is taken out.

How long does it last?

• The swollen lymph nodes can last between 2 to 6 months.

Can it be prevented?

• Teach your child to stay away from cats he doesnít know.
• If your child is scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and warm water.
• Keep fleas away from your cat.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call your doctor if your child has a cat scratch or bite that doesnít go away.
• Call your doctor if your child has swollen or painful lymph nodes after he was scratched or bitten.
• Call your doctor if redness around the scratch or bite gets bigger over three days.
• Call your doctor if your child has a fever after he was scratched or bitten.
• Call your doctor if you have any questions about your childís condition.

Quick Answers

• Cat-scratch disease is an infection that occurs after your child was scratched or bitten by a cat.
• It is caused by the bacterium (germ) called Bartonella henselae.
• The germs spread from the site of the scratch or bite to the lymph nodes (glands).
• The most common symptom is swollen lymph nodes that can be painful. The lymph nodes can remain swollen for two to six months.
• Cat-scratch disease is not contagious from person-to-person. You can only get it from an infected cat.
• If your cat is infected, you do not need to get rid of it. Cats are usually infectious for only a couple of weeks.
• Most people do not need treatment. The infection usually clears up on its own.
• Call your doctor if your child has a cat scratch or bite that does not go away.
• Call your doctor if he has swollen lymph nodes after a cat scratch or bite.

References

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Cat-Scratch Disease. 2002 July. (cited 2002 September 3). URL: http://familydoctor.org/handouts/024.html
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Report of the Comm. on Infectious Disease. 25th Edition. Cat-Scratch Disease. p. 201-203.
• Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education (ASTDHPPHE). Cat-Scratch Disease. (cited 2002 September 3). URL: http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html http://www.astdhpphe.org/infect/catscratch.html
• KidsHealth for Parents. Cat Scratch Disease. 2001 June. (cited 2002 September 3). URL: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cat_scratch.html

Title Page

See related Patient Topics Bites and Stings, Immune System/AIDS or Injuries and Wounds.

See related Provider Topics Immune System/AIDS or Injuries and Wounds.

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