Cat Scratch Disease: Symptoms, Risks & Treatment

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae. People can get CSD when scratched or bitten by an infected cat. Symptoms of CSD include fever, headache, fatigue, and a swollen lymph node near the site of the scratch or bite. In some cases, CSD can lead to more serious complications, such as eye infections, encephalitis, and endocarditis.