Cat Scratch Fever isn't just a rock n roll song from the 1970s. It's a real disease, one that can be deadly. And it nearly killed a ten-year-old Estelline boy this fall.

Seth Pomrenke loves to play with his toy dinosaurs. But it was the bite of a small stray kitten in October that infected Seth with cat scratch disease. 

"It was all alone so we took it in," Seth said. 

Marlyn Pomrenke is the town police officer and often times finds stray or unwanted pets dropped off at his door. So this particular kitten didn't seem out of the normal. 

"We tried to clean it up give it a home, nobody wanted it, it was adorable little kitten and we have a big heart for animals, so we just took him in," Anna Pomrenke said. 

Days later Seth began feeling sick and acting strangely. 

"He was having a fever and at this point talking crazy stuff and grabbing things in the air," Anna said. 

"I looked okay, but I know there was something wrong," Seth said. 

Seth was having seizure after seizure and that's when doctors began to worry. 

"I don't think the doctor knew what I had, until this man, a really smart man, knew what I had and it turned out he was right, I had catch scratch," Seth said. 

It meant Seth would have to stay in the hospital for several days to be treated. But today, thanks to the one doctor who had seen cat scratch disease and its ill effects, Seth is acting like a normal kid again. 

The cat scratch disease forced Seth to miss several days of school over the past two months, but come Monday he'll be back at Estelline Elementary full time. Something Pomrenke's didn't think would be possible two months ago. 

"I'm just thankful. I was told he wasn't going to make it and that was tough and you uh, it was tough," Marlyn said. 

Pomrenke's still have one cat in the house, but say they'll reluctantly probably find another home for that one too.
There's a special benefit and auction for Seth this Sunday at the school beginning at 3pm. There will also be a basketball game between Cops vs Cons, pork sandwiches . If you'd like more information on the fundraiser or would like to donate items for the auction contact Julie (605) 873.2201

Healthbeat reporter Kelli Grant has more on Cat Scratch Disease