https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_r3RkMRtWs
“Cat Scratch Fever”
You’ve probably heard the song by Ted Nugent by the name of “Cat Scratch Fever”. The scientific name is Bartonella. It is also a co-infection of Lyme disease. I tested positive for Lyme in 2013 and overcame it. I tested positive for Bartonella as well and suspect it a result of a cat scratch from my own cats or ones I’ve rescued.
This woman’s story is tragic as she contracted cat scratch from her pet cat and went permanently blind in one eye. She does try to see the bright side and says she’s glad it didn’t go to the other eye (which expert say could have happened)
The news video explains that 40% of cats have Bartonella. They go on to say that kittens are more likely to carry the virus than adults.
Interestingly cat scratch fever doesn’t pose a threat to cats, but humans can become very ill from Bartonella and rare cases it does cause blindness. They do warn pet owners to keep fleas at bay from pets as this can heighten the risk of cat scratch fever (this begs the question: can a flea transmit it to a human?) Many experts believe fleas can transmit Lyme disease and Bartonella the co-infection (aka cat scratch fever) People commonly get cat scratch fever though who don’t have Lyme.
From the article on CBS about the woman blinded by her cat:
After a month of inconclusive tests, doctors traced back the source of the infection to Ms. Walters’ cat and a common bacteria known as Bartonella henselae, which causes a condition called “cat scratch” disease.
The rare infection can be passed from cats to humans through bites or scratches, but can also be transmitted through affectionate behaviors like licking.
“Anything that is exposed to the cat’s mouth, including if you have a little scratch that the cat licks — that’s how you can get it,” said Dr. Kristopher R. Brickman of University of Toledo’s College of Medicine and Life Sciences.
The bacteria that causes cat scratch disease is found in the saliva and fur of about 40 percent of cats, especially kittens, transmitted through fleas and ticks living on the animals. Though it isn’t harmful to cats, it can cause illness in humans, especially those whose immune systems are already weakened by other medical conditions.
“Basically, go play with your cats, but wash your hands afterwards,” Brickman said. “Don’t let them lick any open wounds — and try to avoid getting bit by any cat.”
I find it interesting that most articles state to avoid being bitten or getting saliva on the skin from a cat, but don’t mention cat scratches (which is, after all what they call Bartonella) We are so sorry to hear about Ms. Walters. We don’t want to dissuade others from adopting cats, and while we aren’t usually fans of the CDC we will agree with their following statement which I’ll leave you with here.
“To reduce the risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to avoid stray cats and kittens, keep fleas and ticks under control, and limit rough play with cats to minimize exposure to bartonella henselae and other bacteria that can be passed from cats to humans.”
Not bad advice. Be safe, keep adopting cats, but keep in mind 40% are infected and transmission can be avoided.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF HEALTH NUT NEWS
