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

Audience: pediatric

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an infection caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae, often spread through scratches or bites from cats. It commonly affects children and can cause swollen lymph nodes, fever, and sometimes skin changes near the scratch. Preparing for a video visit about CSD helps caregivers share important information with the healthcare provider to get the best advice. During the visit, the provider will ask about symptoms, recent cat exposure, and any other health concerns. While telemedicine can help assess symptoms and provide guidance, some cases may need in-person exams or tests. Knowing the signs that need urgent care and having your child's health history ready will make the video visit smoother and more effective. This guide helps you prepare, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek immediate medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever that does not improve with fever reducers — contact healthcare provider urgently.
• Severe headache, confusion, or seizures — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking.
• Visual inspection of skin lesions if camera quality allows.
• Advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining need for in-person evaluation or testing.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation of lymph nodes.
• Laboratory testing such as blood tests or cultures.
• Imaging studies like ultrasound or X-rays.
• Emergency interventions or treatments requiring immediate hands-on care.

What is Cat Scratch Disease?

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is caused by bacteria called Bartonella henselae. It usually happens after a scratch or bite from a cat, especially kittens. Children are often affected. Symptoms may include a small bump or blister at the scratch site, swollen and tender lymph nodes nearby, fever, fatigue, and sometimes headache or body aches. Most cases get better on their own, but some need treatment.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

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

What to Expect During the Video Visit

During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and recent cat exposure. They may ask to see the scratch or swollen areas through the camera. Based on the information, they will advise if your child needs further tests, treatment, or in-person care. They may also provide guidance on how to care for your child at home.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While many cases of CSD are mild, watch for these urgent signs:

If any of these happen, seek emergency medical care immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can:

However, telemedicine cannot:

In some cases, an in-person visit will be necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the date and details of any cat scratches or bites.
• List all symptoms your child is experiencing with their start dates.
• Have your child's medication list and allergy information ready.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone for the video call.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit where you can show the affected area if needed.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended for tests or treatment.
• Keep track of your child's symptoms and report any changes during follow-up.
• Ensure your child avoids further cat scratches or bites during recovery.

FAQs

How does a child get Cat Scratch Disease?

Cat Scratch Disease usually happens when a child is scratched or bitten by a cat, especially kittens. The bacteria Bartonella henselae live on cats' claws or in their saliva and can enter the skin through these scratches or bites.

Can Cat Scratch Disease be treated at home?

Many cases of Cat Scratch Disease improve on their own with rest and care at home. Sometimes, a healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics. It's important to follow their advice and watch for any worsening symptoms.

When should I take my child to the doctor in person?

If your child's symptoms are severe, worsening, or if they have red flags like difficulty breathing, high fever not improving, or confusion, seek in-person or emergency care. Also, if the healthcare provider advises tests or treatment that cannot be done remotely, an in-person visit is needed.

Can telemedicine diagnose Cat Scratch Disease?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and history to suggest the possibility of Cat Scratch Disease. However, it cannot perform physical exams or lab tests needed for a definite diagnosis. Sometimes, an in-person visit is necessary for confirmation.

How can I prevent Cat Scratch Disease?

Preventing Cat Scratch Disease involves avoiding rough play with cats, especially kittens, and teaching children to wash their hands after touching cats. Keeping cats' nails trimmed and avoiding stray or sick animals can also help reduce risk.

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. Cat Scratch Disease — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms, worsening condition, or any red flags, seek emergency or direct medical attention promptly.