Cat Scratch Fever (Bartonellosis)

This infection, caused by Bartonella henselae, is commonly acquired from asymptomatic (clinically normal) carrier cats.

About half of the outdoor cats in the southern United States have been exposed at one time or another to the disease (please read my article on Cat Scratch Fever). We think it is spread by the cat flea.

People infected with this disease by a contaminated cat scratch or bite experience fever, malaise and enlarged painful lymph nodes as well as a local inflammation at the site of the wound.