According to the report, there are about 12,000 people diagnosed with cat scratch disease, and from those about 500 have required hospitalizations.
Symptoms can include, headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and in some cases the heart and brain were affected. The researchers found that those that were most likely to be admitted to the hospital were males between 50 and 64 years old. The report is scheduled to be published in the October issue of the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
What Can You Do?
Washing your hands often can help prevent a person from catching a disease, which might be a good idea to wash your hands after you’re done playing or cud. Also, if you own a cat, make sure you keep him inside, only letting him out for short periods of time. Using flea-control products to keep them clean and flea-free is a definite must. There’s no need to get rid of your cat, but practicing good hygiene and avoiding cat scratches should be a priority.
