Cat Scratch Fever Symptoms

Cat scratch fever symptoms are similar to flu and since it is regarded as a not-so-often-seen disease, negligence initially is common. The earliest stages of the occurrence need to be caught in time, particularly in immune compromised patients. Once the lymph nodes are involved the occurrence could get painful depending largely on the patient’s immune health and response to medication.

Following a cat scratch wound or after a bite the symptoms creep up on the patient with no noticeable cause. Nodules or small lumps like insect bites can form around the cat scratch which may become infected. A reddish texture of the skin in the area may result in a tough skin tone if neglected. When the lesions become pustular, in the face of neglect during the initial stages, the enlargement of cervical and axillary lymph nodes adds to the agony.

The most common of the symptoms is the swelling of the lymph glands. This can be a painful occurrence with some patients recording lymph nodes to swell up to an inch. The pain in the lymph glands can be felt for up to three weeks at a time, in some cases. The resultant redness and fever can rise up to 102 degrees F which obviously can be very aggravating and weakening. There may be pain in the armpits and groin regions due to swollen lymph nodes. The family physician may need to surgically drain the lump to relieve the pain, if servere. The most painful onslaught of the cat scratch fever is observed in young children and the elderly.

The occurrence also takes a toll on the health and well being of those with frail immune systems. The condition worsens in the case of a patient with HIV or someone undergoing chemotherapy. There have been instances of allied complications developing in people suffering from AIDS which is called Bacillary Angiomatosis. This condition is accompanied by nausea and fever and enlargement of liver and spleen.

Cat scratch fever can also take a toll on a recipient of an organ donation. In the face of neglect, medical records reveal that the ultimate outcome could be disability and even death.

However it is not so difficult to overcome the sickness. Cat scratch fever is completely curable with the right approach. It helps to treat the infected person immediately with suggested antibiotics. The only fall back is that due to the flu like symptoms it is not so easy for the patient’s condition to be diagnosed fast.

Similar Diseases Caught From Felines

You should also be aware and alert when your pet suddenly begins to meow rough and husky or swipes with it's paw to play or fondle. Beyond the malady of cat scratch fever felines are also equipped to cause the occurrence of rotovirus, a viral infection most commonly observed in babies and young children. Pretty similar to the symptoms displayed by cat scratch fever, this development also brings on fever, but with diarrhea and vomiting. Felines seem to be carriers to more than one health threatening disease when in contact with humans.

All cat owners need to be aware of the fact that cat scratch fever is not to be confused with feline maladies such as cat-borne disease or toxoplasmosis. While the latter is a poisonous occurrence especially to an unborn baby, the former displays milder symptoms. In the case of toxoplasmosis the symptoms present themselves in different ways. The causing bacteria are more likely to be inhaled through exposure to the litter box.

Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed instead of cat scratch fever as it has the same symptoms and shares the same season for transmission. This is mainly because the symptoms of both, fatigue and headaches are more or less similar in occurrence and duration.