Cat Scratch Disease

Cat scratch disease is an infection that can appear after a scratch or bite from a cat, especially young kittens, due to a bacterium that these animals can carry. It is usually a generally benign condition.

Common symptoms:

• A small lesion or bump at the site of the scratch
• Swelling of the nearby lymph nodes
• Tiredness or mild fever in some cases

When to see a doctor? An evaluation is advisable if the lymph nodes swell notably or persistently, there is a fever that does not ease, or significant discomfort after contact with a cat.

Which specialist treats it? The infectious disease specialist, the internist, and the general practitioner can evaluate this type of infection. If you notice these signs after a scratch, seeing a professional helps in confirming the cause and ruling out other conditions.