Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer
Cat Scratch Disease
Sometimes, after being scratched or bit by a cat, a person may begin to experience the uncomfortable signs of cat scratch disease (CSD). This illness affects nearly 22,000 people in the United States each year and in general, is not fatal. Symptoms may arise several days after contact with the feline. Most commonly, people under the age of 21 develop this sickness.
The Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease
The bacteria that causes CSD is found in the saliva of cats and may be transferred to a human through a break in the skin, typically caused by a bite or scratch. If you have become a victim of this disease, then you will experience the following physical symptoms of infection:
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Bone or organ infection
- Respiratory complications
Those with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop the more serious complications such as respiratory problems or internal infections. If you have AIDS or are undergoing treatment for cancer, you may be at a higher risk of seeing serious complications associated with cat scratch disease.
Contact Us
Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, and if you have been subjected to cat scratch disease because of a poorly controlled pet, you may be able to receive compensation for your pain. If you would like to learn more about the risk factors and consequences of cat scratch fever, contact the Jacksonville personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Don Guthrie today at 904-296-1088 to speak with an experienced attorney about your questions or concerns.