Cat Scratch Fever

This disease is caused by a germ (Bartonella henselae) spread by either a cat bite or scratch. 

About half of the wild or feral cats in the SouthEastern part of the U.S. have been exposed to this germ and may be carriers.

In other parts of the country the disease is not prevalent. 

Transmission from cat to cat is believed to be from fleas. 

Transmission for cat to human is from ... take a guess ...
cat scratchs.

The disease in humans is usually moderate but it can be long term and serious...especially in HIV patients. 

Symptoms include local swelling and swelling of the lymphatic system and flu like malaise. 

The very temporary swelling and irritation that most people experience for a day or two after a cat scratch is probably not true cat scratch fever but rather a simple inflammatory reaction.

If scratched or bitten, first wash the wound out with any good antiseptic (I like to apply a little Bag Balm ointment on afterwards...it seems to work better than anything I've used.  Bag Balm is sold to treat chapped  and sore cow udders and is available in feed stores, pet and animal catalogs, and at many vet clinics including ours.) 

Don't encourage cats to play rough and don't allow children to tease and annoy cats. 

And keep fleas under control.  And if you're sick enough to go to a physician, don't forget to tell him or her that you were bitten or scratched by a cat.