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disease.

Cat scratch disease rarely requires any treatment. Lymph nodes that become overly swollen and filled with pus may require the fluid drained. Antibiotics can also be prescribed to help ease symptoms especially in children. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is commonly used to help ease minor pain and fever that may accompany the disease.

PREVENTION

Cat scratch disease is not contagious between humans. Those who are suffering from the disease do not need to be isolated from others. Cat scratch disease is not a common disease but there are some steps that individuals can take to prevent illness from the bacteria.

Avoid rough handling and playing with cats and wash your hands after handling any cat. Any wounds caused by a cat should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. Use flea prevention medications on your felines and treat your home if fleas are present.

Even though cat scratch disease normally has mild symptoms that are not life threatening, you should contact your health provider if symptoms become severe, if bites and scratches do not heal or if the area of an injury becomes swollen and red which can be a sign of infection. Children with painful and swollen lymph nodes or fever should be seen by their pediatrician.

Cats that carry B. henselae will not show any signs or symptoms of having the bacteria. Stray cats should not be handled especially by children and cat owners should prevent their cats from coming into contact with stray cats. Cat scratch disease is not 100% preventable but with a few precautions, it is less likely that you or your family members will contract the disease.

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/HEALTHYPETS /diseases/catscratch.htm

http://www.drgreene.com/21_821 .html

http://www.dhpe.org/infect/Cat scratch.html

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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