Quang Ninh: A 37-year-old male patient was bitten by a cat, resulting in swelling and pain in his fingertip. A few days later, he developed a fever and swollen lymph nodes, posing a life-threatening risk of infection.
The patient reported that over a month ago, while butchering a cat, the animal bit his third finger and armpit, but he did not seek medical attention. Recently, his fingertip swelled, and he developed painful lymph nodes in his armpit, so he went to the hospital for examination. Doctors diagnosed him with cat scratch disease, which led to high fever and infection.
On June 20th, Dr. Pham Cong Duc, Head of the Department of Tropical Diseases at Bai Chay Hospital, stated that if not treated promptly, the disease can become life-threatening. Doctors prescribed painkillers, fever reducers, and antibiotics according to the treatment protocol, while also monitoring for sepsis.
Cat scratch disease is an infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bartonella henselae . It enters the human body through a cat scratch or bite, then attacks the lymphatic system, causing localized lymphadenitis.
Patients will experience swelling, pain, and black scabs at the site of the cat scratch, bite, or lick. After a while, the scabs fall off, but the wound does not heal and remains swollen and edematous. Lymph nodes near the bite area may swell, causing fever, loss of appetite, and headaches lasting from two to five months. If detected late, the disease can lead to serious complications affecting internal organs, causing liver and kidney damage; neurological complications such as encephalitis and epilepsy; and eye complications causing blindness, or even death.
Doctors advise caution when interacting with animals such as dogs and cats to avoid scratches and bites; limit close contact with pets when skin is scratched or abraded. If a cat scratches, bites, or licks an open wound, rinse the wound under strong running water for 5-10 minutes, using soap or antiseptic solution to clean and disinfect.
According to doctors, the rate of rabies from cats is relatively low, but families still need to monitor the cat's health and prevent death for about 15 days, and at the same time, seek medical advice and vaccination against tetanus or rabies at a healthcare facility. Families who own dogs and cats should proactively vaccinate their pets against rabies, especially families with young children.
Minh An
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