Cat-scratch Disease
editPrevention (after Treatment)
There are various ways one can prevent the contraction of cat-scratch disease. Since the disease is perpetuated by fleas, an intuitive solution would be to focus on controlling fleas associated with cats.[1] Hygiene is also key; it is important to wash hands thoroughly after handling cats, and disinfect any cuts received by the animal. The disease is most prevalent in young adults and children, so making sure to focus on this demographic is also essential.[2] The likelihood of a pet picking up fleas is much greater outdoors, so another preventative measure might be keeping cats indoors. This is especially important for kittens, as the disease is more prevalent in young male cats.[3]
URL of article: Cat-scratch disease
I decided to add a section on prevention of cat-scratch disease, because I feel it is important for people to know a little about how to maintain their safety when interacting with cats.
Notes
edit- ^ Nelson, Christina A.; Saha, Shubhayu; Mead, Paul S. "Cat-Scratch Disease in the United States, 2005–2013". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 22 (10): 1741–1746. doi:10.3201/eid2210.160115.
- ^ L A Jackson, B A Perkins, and J D Wenger. Cat scratch disease in the United States: an analysis of three national databases. American Journal of Public Health December 1993: Vol. 83, No. 12, pp. 1707-1711. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.83.12.1707
- ^ Zangwill, K. M., Hamilton, D. H., Perkins, B. A., Regnery, R. L., Plikaytis, B. D., Hadler, J. L., ... & Wenger, J. D. (1993). Cat Scratch Disease in Connecticut--Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Evaluation of a New Diagnostic Test. New England Journal of Medicine, 329(1), 8-13.