Cat Scratch Fever

Cat scratch fever is an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in the saliva and secretions of cats' claws. This disease is also known as cat bite disease or more commonly called hemorrhagic soft tissue infection. Like any other infection, cat bite fever can lead to serious consequences for human health. In this article we will look at the main causes, symptoms and treatment of the disease.

Causes of cat scratch fever

The main causes of illness from a cat bite are bacteria found in the animal’s saliva. These bacteria can be quite dangerous and cause serious infections. However, symptoms do not always appear immediately after infection, and sometimes they may be completely absent. Experts believe that the virus is activated when an animal's saliva comes into contact with an open wound or injured skin. Infection can also be caused by scratches, bites or other injuries that cause bleeding and damage to the integrity of the skin.

Symptoms of cat bite fever

Different symptoms of fever can occur in people of different ages and with different levels of immune system. Common symptoms include:

- High body temperature, which can range from 38 to 40 degrees. Some people may feel dizzy and weak, while others may not notice any symptoms of fever. - Pain in muscles, joints and head caused by dilation of blood vessels under the skin. - Headaches and nausea that may accompany cat scratch fever. - Skin rashes on damaged areas of the skin. They usually appear at the site of a bite or scratch. It's important to note that some people may have a fever without any symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.

Treating Cat Scratch Fever

The mainstay of treatment is antibiotic therapy, which helps stop the infection from spreading throughout the body. Antiviral medications may also be needed if a person has the flu. Prevention of infection involves avoiding contact with animals infected with the virus, and if necessary, treat wounds with antiseptics and protect them from the cat’s saliva and secretions.