Many times we have heard about the dangers of contact with cats during pregnancy in women, being in many cases erroneous assumptions or altered information; but today we want to tell you a little more about a disease caused by scratch from a cat, which could bring special risks for unborn babies.
The cause of the disease it's the bacteria Bartonella Henselae, transmitted to the human being through a scratch caused by a feline, either accidentally or by aggressiveness. Main symptom they are tiredness, fever and inflammations in the lymphatic system. And, although in the minority of cases, visibility can also be temporarily diminished and brain infections can occur.
According to a study by Dr. Michael Giladi, 7 out of 100.000 individuals are affected by the bacteria, and although it is estimated that it is almost certainly infectious in babies whose mother was infected during pregnancy, it has not yet this has been ensured due to the very few cases analyzed.
The research carried out by the Israeli Sourasky Medical Center warns about the existence of the disease and calls for its knowledge in the medical field so that it is taken into account when diagnosing a picture in pregnant women.
It was also commented that this does not imply that pregnant women should give up their pet during their period, but they do recommend following basic hygiene rules after dealing with the cat, and, if possible, avoiding contact with an unfamiliar cat.
my cat is sick and scratched me, I am 7 and a half months pregnant.