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

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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?
doctor
Answered by 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

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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

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