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What Causes Constant Fever After Finger Surgery?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Mar 2017
Question: I'm running a temp that hovers around 99.5 and had finger surgery. However, my cat has scratched me several times (drew blood). Should I be concerned about the possibility of cat scratch fever if the finger is not infected? How would I check for this infection? Thank you!
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Hello! Ι have been through your question.

Detailed Answer:
Related your concern, you should first that cat scratch disease is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae, often caused by a bite or scratch from a cat and cats who carry B. henselae do not show any signs of illness, so you cannot tell which cats could spread the disease to you.
Symptoms and signs of cat scratch disease include a bump or blister at the site of the scratch followed by swollen lymph nodes (especially around the head, neck, and arms),fever, headache,fatigue, malaise, sore throat.
However in your case,you shouldn't worry because if you don't have the above mentioned symptoms( finger not infected) but only fever (that could be from finger surgery) the risk of having a cat scratch disease is very low.
Let me know if you are taking any antibiotic for your finger surgery?

Diagnosis of cat scratch disease is made by a history of a wound caused by a cat, physical exam showing signs of lymph node swelling, indirect fluorescence assay, and ELISA blood testing.

What I suggest for you to reduce your risk of getting cat scratch fever,is to avoid rough play with cats , wash cat bites and scratches thoroughly, don't allow cats to lick any open wounds you have, and contact an infectious diseases specialist if you develop any above mentioned symptoms or signs following a cat bite or scratch.
I hope my answer helps you.
I wish you a quick recovery.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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What Causes Constant Fever After Finger Surgery?

Brief Answer: Hello! Ι have been through your question. Detailed Answer: Related your concern, you should first that cat scratch disease is a bacterial disease caused by Bartonella henselae, often caused by a bite or scratch from a cat and cats who carry B. henselae do not show any signs of illness, so you cannot tell which cats could spread the disease to you. Symptoms and signs of cat scratch disease include a bump or blister at the site of the scratch followed by swollen lymph nodes (especially around the head, neck, and arms),fever, headache,fatigue, malaise, sore throat. However in your case,you shouldn't worry because if you don't have the above mentioned symptoms( finger not infected) but only fever (that could be from finger surgery) the risk of having a cat scratch disease is very low. Let me know if you are taking any antibiotic for your finger surgery? Diagnosis of cat scratch disease is made by a history of a wound caused by a cat, physical exam showing signs of lymph node swelling, indirect fluorescence assay, and ELISA blood testing. What I suggest for you to reduce your risk of getting cat scratch fever,is to avoid rough play with cats , wash cat bites and scratches thoroughly, don't allow cats to lick any open wounds you have, and contact an infectious diseases specialist if you develop any above mentioned symptoms or signs following a cat bite or scratch. I hope my answer helps you. I wish you a quick recovery.