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Cat-scratch disease
Cat-scratch disease (also commonly known as cat-scratch fever) is a bacterial infection that causes swelling and pain in the lymph nodes and loss of appetite. In most cases, it occurs after a scratch, bite, or lick from a cat or kitten.
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe, may not appear for several days after the bite or scratch, and may last for several weeks.
Although cat-scratch disease usually goes away without treatment, antibiotics are often used to speed recovery.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: December 17, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology | |
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