It seems to be a common thing for a pet or stray cat to get scratched or bitten while playing with them. Often people consider it a minor wound and leave it at home or ignore it completely. But this small carelessness of yours can have a huge impact on your health. Medical experts have warned that it can enter the human body through cats. ‘Cat Scratch Disease’ (Cat Scratch Disease – CSD) A dangerous infection can spread. If it is not treated in time, it can badly affect many vital organs of the body.

After all, what is ‘Cat Scratch Disease’ (CSD)?

According to health experts, it is a bacterial infection which ‘Bartonella henselae’ It is caused by a bacteria called. When an infected cat bites a human or scratches vigorously with its claws, the bacteria present in its saliva or claws directly enter the human’s bloodstream and start spreading the infection in the body.

Do not ignore these 4 big symptoms even by mistake

Signs of infection start appearing in the body a few days after being attacked or scratched by a cat. If you see these changes in your body, become alert immediately:

Bump at the wound site: Red rashes or large blisters containing pus may appear where the cat has bitten or scratched.

Swelling of lymph nodes (lumps): As the infection spreads, there may be severe pain and severe swelling in the lumps around the wound—such as in the neck, armpits, or near the elbows.

Persistent fever and headache: Mild but persistent fever in the body and unnecessarily severe headache.

Extreme Fatigue: Feeling lethargy and weakness in the body without doing any heavy work or hard work.

Take these steps immediately if a cat scratches or bites you

If you or any child in the house gets scratched by a cat, instead of panicking, immediately adopt the following first-aid:

Deep cleaning of wound: Without a moment’s delay, wash the wound with clean running water and soap by rubbing it thoroughly for at least 10 minutes.

Use of antiseptic: After drying the wound, apply a good antiseptic cream or lotion on that area so that external bacteria do not grow.

Take medical advice from a doctor: After washing the wound, go to a doctor immediately and Tetanus and Rabies Get advice regarding the vaccine. If the cat is a stray cat, the risk increases manifold, hence do not be negligent at all in vaccination.

Who is most at risk of this infection?

Doctors say that this disease quickly affects small children and those whose immunity is weak. If this bacterial infection is not treated medically in time, it can cause serious damage to bones, joints and even the nerves of the eyes. So, next time, don’t mistake the cat scratching for just a minor scratch.