|
|
| |
|
Headlines:
|
 |
|
| |
Doctors Lounge - Infections Answers
"The information
provided on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not
replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site
visitor and his/her physician."
Back to Infections Answers List
| vertigal
- Fri Nov 19, 2004 6:36 pm |
|
I was in the Carribbean a few days ago and while I was there, staying at a resort, I was bitten by one of the cats that roamed around, while I was lazily petting it. I found out later that these cats around the resort were actually strays. I had immediately washed the area where I was bitten (on my hand) and only noticed red swelling from the bitemark. The next day it was gone. My friends said in jest that I got rabies but I didn't care since I thought the skin wasn't even pierced. But yesterday (3 days after the bite) I noticed a very small, thin scab there. Now I'm wondering if I should get tested. I feel so ridiculous but should I really be concerned?
Ive tried calling doctors but no one is around to help me so I'm hoping someone can provide guidance here.
|
| Carolyn Merritt, LPN
- Wed Nov 24, 2004 11:08 pm |
|
 Hello:
I advise strongly that you go to the doctor and have it checked. My main concern is not Rabies, but rather an infection called "cat-scratch" disease.
Cat-scratch disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs) carried in cat saliva. The bacteria can be passed from a cat to a human.
You can get cat-scratch disease from a cat bite or cat scratch. You can get the infection after a cat scratches you if the cat's paws have the bacteria on them. (A cat can get the bacteria on its paws when it licks itself.) With a cat bite, the cat can pass the bacteria to you in its saliva. You can also get the bacteria in your eyes if you pet a cat that has the bacteria on its fur and then rub your eyes. Many people who get cat-scratch disease do not remember being scratched or bitten by a cat.
Cat-scratch disease is not a severe illness in people who are healthy. But it can be a problem in people with weak immune systems.
Some warnings signs to look out for would be:
A cat scratch or bite that does not heal in the usual length of time.
An area of redness around a cat scratch or bite that continues to get bigger for more than 2 days after the injury.
Fever that lasts for several days after a cat scratch or bite.
Painful and swollen lymph nodes for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
Bone or joint pain, abdominal pain (without fever, vomiting or diarrhea) or an unusual degree of tiredness for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
Hopefully, this will go away and will only be an unpleasant memory.
Regards,
Carolyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you a Doctor, Pharmacist, PA or a Nurse?
Join the Doctors Lounge online medical community
-
Editorial activities: Publish, peer review, edit
online articles.
-
Ask a Doctor Teams: Respond to patient questions and
discuss challenging presentations with other members.
Doctors Lounge Membership
Application |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
