Prevention and Management of Cat scratch fever

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According to the Centre for Disease Control in the United State, an estimated 40 percent of cats carry the bacteria Bartonella henselae infection at some point in their lives. Most of the time, cats that carry the infection do not show signs of illness.So is important to be extremely observant.

Symptoms
Cats get the infection when they scratch and bite at fleas that infect them or fight with cats that are infected. If a cat has fleas or visible scratches, these could be signs a person should practice caution when handling their cat. Once a cat is infected, it can carry the disease for several months. In rare cases, cat scratch disease can cause severe symptoms in cats, including inflammation of the heart. Cats may have difficulty breathing due to this. Upon examination, a vet may also identify inflammation in the eyes, mouth, or urinary system.

Diagnosis and treatment
A vet can inspect a cat for fleas and make recommendations regarding flea prevention and avoiding scratches and bites. While there is a blood and fluid test available for the Bartonella bacteria, doctors do not usually recommend it for cats that don’t have symptoms. The virus is very common, and the test can be unreliable.
Cats are not usually treated with antibiotics unless they have noticeable.
symptoms.

Prevention
Taking steps to reduce fleas in a cat can reduce the likelihood of cat scratch fever. People can care for their cats by doing the following:

-Applying or administering a vet-approved flea treatment on a regular basis Keeping a cat indoors to avoid contact with stray or infected animals –Keeping a cat’s nails trimmed and neat Scheduling and maintaining regular check-ups with a vet.

Vaccines are not currently available against cat scratch disease bacteria.
Other conditions cats can spread additional diseases besides cat scratch fever include a condition called toxoplasmosis that pregnant women need to be wary of.Others are;

Campylobacteriosis: an intestinal infection caused by bacteria Cryptosporidiosis: a parasite that causes diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

Plague: This condition is not common in the United States, but can occur if a cat is taken to another country Rabies: According to Seattle and King County Public Health, cats are the domestic animal most likely to experience a rabies infection.

Ringworm: Kittens are especially likely to carry this disease that causes bald patches on the skin.

Tapeworm: Most common in children, this infection occurs when a person swallows a flea from a cat that is infected with tapeworm larvae Toxocara infection: While the condition doesn’t always cause symptoms, it can be associated with serious complications like blindness.

Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is of special concern to pregnant women because it can cause complications like miscarriage, affected fetal growth, and eye problems.

Prevention and Management of Cat scratch fever Prevention

While cats can transmit cat scratch fever to people, people do not usually pass it to others. If one family member is affected, others should practice caution around the family cat as the cat could infect them too.
An episode of cat scratch fever also does not mean a family should necessarily get rid of their pet. However, they can practice the following preventive techniques:

-Preventing a cat from getting fleas can help reduce the risk of cat scratch fever.
-Adopting a cat that is older than 1 year if a person is at high risk for adverse symptoms of cat scratch fever (kittens are most likely to carry the disease) .
-Avoiding rough play around a cat or kitten
-Never allowing a cat to lick wounds or open areas of skin.
– Never petting stray or feral cats
-Washing hands and any other affected areas after playing with a cat
-Vacuuming a home frequently to avoid fleas
– Practicing flea prevention to reduce the risk a cat could get the infection
-Contacting a pest control company if a lot of fleas have been identified in a home.

Treatments for cat scratch fever
In most cases, cat scratch fever is mild that will not require prescription. However, if symptoms are moderate to severe, they may prescribe an antibiotic. Home treatments for the condition include bed rest and an over-the-counter pain reliever if the lymph nodes are painful or especially tender. While children do not have to stop playing, they should avoid hitting or interfering with the affected lymph nodes.