Can Cat Scratch Fever Be Contracted By A Toddler From A Cat Scratch?

Posted on Thu, 28 Sep 2017

Question: My 15 month old grandson was just scratched by our outdoor cat (cat is 2 yrs old). It was his first exposure to the cat. I cleaned it with soap and water, hydrogen peroxide and put Neosporin on it. It's my first grandson and I panic about everything. Is cat scratch fever common? Should I be panicking?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Incidence is about 1 per 100000 cases of cat scratch

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for asking on this platform,

I can understand your concern. The incidence of developing cat scratch fever following scratch by a cat is very rare that is one per 100000.

It is more in cases who are immunodeficient and bitten by kitten less than one year.

Generally, it develops 3-10 days after the scratch as a swelling in the scratched area and in most of the cases it remains benign and gets cured within 2-3 month.

Only in few cases, complications can be there.

So I won't get overly worried as not all cases develop cat scratch fever and it is benign in most of the cases.

I request you to observe for development of any swelling or papule in the scratched area and if you notice any please consult the pediatrician.

I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to help you out if you have any more queries.

Wishing for your child's good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee