In the case of CSD, cats are the main culprits behind the majority of infections in humans.
Westend61 / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of Cat Scratch Fever?
Since they rarely show symptoms, it is hard to tell if a cat is infected or not.
Westend61 / Getty Images
What Is the Cause of Cat Scratch Fever?
Fleas are typically responsible for giving the infection to cats.
It can also be transmitted if an infected animal licks an open wound.
Are All Cats Infected With the Bacteria That Causes Cat Scratch Fever?
The CDC also states that kittens under one year of age are the most likely to have the disease.
How Is Cat Scratch Fever Diagnosed?
Because of this, the PCR test may be used to diagnose an active infection of the disease.
How Is Cat Scratch Fever Treated?
Treating CSD will depend on the severity of the infection.
As mentioned above, many cases resolve on their own.
Antibiotics are medications designed to kill off harmful bacteria in the body.
What Is the Prognosis for People With Cat Scratch Fever?
Most cats show no symptoms, so it can be hard to determine if yours has been infected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most cases of cat scratch fever are mild and require little or no treatment.
However, serious health effects can occur that lead to hospitalization and the need for immediate treatment.
The symptoms of cat scratch fever do go away either on their own or with treatment.
The body will also develop lifelong immunity to the disease after contracting it.
Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are the most likely to develop rare complications of CSD.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.AboutBartonella henselae.
2021 Apr;40(4):849-857. doi:10.1007/s10096-020-04087-0
