How to prepare for a video visit about Cat Scratch Disease (Bartonella) - Triage

Audience: adult

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an infection caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae, usually transmitted by a scratch or bite from a cat. Symptoms often include swollen lymph nodes near the scratch, mild fever, and fatigue. Preparing for a video visit about CSD helps you share important information with your healthcare provider and get the best advice. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, any recent cat exposures, and your medical history. Telemedicine can help assess mild to moderate symptoms and guide you on next steps. However, if you have severe symptoms like high fever, worsening swelling, or neurological signs, you may need in-person care urgently. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for CSD, and important warning signs to watch for. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for a healthcare professional’s diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days or not responding to medication — seek urgent medical care.
• Rapidly worsening swelling, redness, or pain near the scratch site — get in-person evaluation promptly.
• Neurological symptoms such as headache, confusion, weakness, or seizures — call emergency services immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual examination of skin lesions and swollen lymph nodes via video.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate and safe to do remotely.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or testing.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing laboratory tests or imaging studies.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
• Treating complications like neurological involvement or systemic infection.
• Providing emergency care for life-threatening signs.

What is Cat Scratch Disease?

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. It usually happens after a cat scratch or bite. Common signs include a small bump or blister at the injury site, swollen lymph nodes near the scratch (often on the arm or neck), mild fever, and tiredness. Most people recover without serious problems.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather information to share with your healthcare provider:

What Telemedicine Can Do for Cat Scratch Disease

Telemedicine providers can:

When You Need In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience:

These signs may indicate complications requiring immediate attention.

After Your Video Visit

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your video visit.
• Have your device charged and test your internet connection.
• Prepare to show the affected area on camera if possible.
• Write down your symptoms, their start date, and any changes.
• List any medications, allergies, and medical history.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Keep the scratch area clean and dry.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs.
• Attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

How do I know if I have Cat Scratch Disease?

CSD often starts with a small bump or blister at the site of a cat scratch or bite, followed by swollen lymph nodes nearby. You may also have mild fever and fatigue. A healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms during a video visit.

Can Cat Scratch Disease be treated with antibiotics?

Yes, antibiotics are often used to treat CSD, especially if symptoms are moderate or persistent. Your healthcare provider can decide if antibiotics are needed based on your symptoms and exam.

Is Cat Scratch Disease contagious to other people?

CSD is not usually spread from person to person. It is mainly transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats, especially kittens.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If you develop high fever, increased pain or swelling, redness spreading from the scratch, or neurological symptoms like headache or confusion, seek in-person medical care immediately.

Can I prevent Cat Scratch Disease?

You can reduce risk by avoiding rough play with cats, especially kittens, washing cat scratches or bites promptly with soap and water, and keeping cats free of fleas, which can carry Bartonella bacteria.

Sources

1. Cat Scratch Disease — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Cat Scratch Disease — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Cat Scratch Disease — Mayo Clinic.
4. Bartonella henselae Infection (Cat Scratch Disease) — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.