Toxoplasmosis: Overview
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection caused by a parasite. You get it from eating undercooked meat, eating unwashed vegetables (grown where an infected cat has left droppings), or touching infected cat droppings.
Most healthy people who get the disease don't know they have it. It is very mild. But problems can happen when you are pregnant and get the disease. It can cause serious problems in an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, take steps to prevent infection.
Your unborn baby may not get infected even if you get toxoplasmosis while pregnant. If tests show that your unborn baby is infected, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. After you have been infected, you can't get the disease again.
What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Most people with toxoplasmosis don't have symptoms. But some people have flu-like symptoms. Severe toxoplasmosis can damage the eyes or brain. It can also affect the lungs and heart. Symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected. Infants infected before birth may have serious mental or physical problems.
Pregnancy safety: Avoiding toxoplasmosis infection
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for serious problems. Infection usually occurs from contact with infected cat feces or from eating undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables (grown where an infected cat has left droppings).
Everyone should take steps to prevent food poisoning by storing and preparing foods properly. In addition, during pregnancy take these extra steps to prevent toxoplasmosis.
- If you have a cat, ask someone else to clean the litter box while you are pregnant.
If no one else can do it, wear gloves and clean the litter box daily. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water afterward.
- Wear gloves when working in the garden or handling soil.
Wash your hands well with soap and warm water after outdoor activities, especially before you eat or prepare food.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables by rinsing them well with running water.
- Handle raw meat safely.
If possible, wear clean disposable gloves when you touch raw meat. Wash cutting boards, sinks, knives, and other utensils that might have touched the raw meat. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water afterward.
- Make sure the meat you eat is well-cooked.
Use a meat thermometer to be sure foods are cooked to a safe temperature.
- Avoid untreated drinking water.
This is a concern when you are in the wilderness or travel to countries where drinking water is not treated.
How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed?
If you think you may have toxoplasmosis, talk to your doctor. You may need blood tests to see if you've been infected. If you have a weak immune system, or if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss your risk with your doctor. They may suggest that you get tested.
How can you care for yourself when you have toxoplasmosis?
- Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
- To prevent toxoplasmosis:
- Do not clean a cat's litter box while you are pregnant. Have someone else clean it. If no one else can do it, wear gloves and clean the litter box daily. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water afterward.
- Wash your hands after you work in the garden or handle soil.
- Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables by rinsing them well with running water.
- Handle raw meat safely. Wash cutting boards and other utensils that might have touched raw meat. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water afterward.
- Make sure the meat you eat is well cooked.
- Avoid untreated drinking water.
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