Are there long-term effects of cat scratch fever?
Most immunocompetent people recover without lasting long-term effects. However, lymph node swelling may persist for an extended period, and some may experience lingering tenderness. If complications occur (ocular involvement, organ involvement, severe systemic disease), recovery can take longer and follow-up is important. Long-term risk is driven by severity, presence of complications, and immune status. If symptoms persist for months or worsen, reevaluation and a broader differential diagnosis are appropriate.