Neurologist Warns of Cat-Scratch Disease After Young Patient Loses Ability to Walk

Kokcha News Agency: Dr. Baibing Chen, a neurologist at the University of Michigan, has urged the public to be aware of the risks associated with cat-scratch disease after treating a young patient who developed severe neurological complications, including confusion, severe headaches, and loss of vision, following an infection from a kitten.

In a TikTok video that has garnered over 124,000 views, Dr. Chen emphasized that anyone experiencing unusual symptoms after being scratched, bitten, or licked by a cat should seek medical attention immediately. The patient, a young girl, initially presented with symptoms such as extreme fatigue, loss of coordination, and vision problems. Further examinations revealed that she had developed optic neuritis and retinal inflammation, leading to vision loss in one eye.

After ruling out other possibilities such as stroke, meningitis, and autoimmune disorders, doctors identified the cause of her symptoms: a recent scratch from a newly adopted kitten. This led to the diagnosis of Bartonella henselae, the bacteria responsible for cat-scratch disease.

Children at Higher Risk

Cat-scratch disease is typically transmitted through scratches or bites from kittens, especially those contaminated with flea feces. Infected cats can also transmit the bacteria by licking open wounds. Experts warn that children under 15 are particularly vulnerable, largely due to their poor hand hygiene after handling pets.

In the UK, there are approximately 12.5 million pet cats, with around 30% of households owning at least one. In the U.S., the figure is even higher, with 37% of households owning cats, totaling an estimated 73.8 million cats nationwide.

Severe Cases Are Rare but Dangerous

Dr. Chen explained that while most cases of cat-scratch disease are mild, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, severe cases can affect the nervous system, eyes, and even internal organs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in rare cases, the infection can lead to serious damage to the liver, spleen, brain, bones, and heart valves.

Dr. Chen advised that while most scratches and bites do not result in severe complications, it is crucial to remain vigilant: “It’s important to clean wounds immediately and watch for symptoms like fever, swelling, or pimples.” Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, the elderly, or those with HIV, are at higher risk.

Prevention and Awareness

Experts recommend keeping cats indoors and avoiding contact with stray cats to reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Chen stressed that this does not mean people should avoid pet cats altogether but should be cautious, especially with kittens.

“This case shows that even a playful scratch can have serious consequences for some individuals,” Dr. Chen said. “If you experience persistent headaches, confusion, or vision changes after a scratch, bite, or lick, it’s important to inform your doctor in detail.”

Dr. Chen’s warning comes in the wake of a recent case in Morocco where a British woman, Yvonne Ford, died after contracting rabies from a stray dog while on vacation. In the UK, there have been fewer than 10 cases of rabies originating from abroad since 2000, and authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low.