Toxoplasmosis

This is an infection caused by a parasite called toxoplasma. Cats have been known to carry this parasite. The parasite is passed through the cats feces. If you had a cat prior to becoming pregnant, you may have been exposed and have built up the antibodies to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. However, if you were pregnant before getting a cat, you may want to reconsider keeping the cat or take special precautions. The number of pregnant women who do carry the toxoplasmosis infection is approximately 1 in a 1,000. Even though the woman may have contracted the infection, it is possible that the fetus does not have the infection.

Precautions with cats:

  1. Have your cat tested for the active toxoplasma parasite.
  2. Do not change the cats litter box. If you must change it, wear rubber gloves and wash your hands after changing the litter box.
  3. Wash your hands after handling the cat.

Other animals that carry the toxoplasma parasite include:

  1. Pigs
  2. Sheep
  3. Cows

When cooking make sure you:

  1. Thoroughly cook all meat (especially lamb and pork). Undercooked beef could also carry the parasite, but lamb and pork have a higher chance.
  2. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.

Signs and Symptoms of toxoplasmosis:

Note: Remember most people do not show any signs of having toxoplasmosis, but some may have the signs below.

  1. Slight fever
  2. Swollen glands (approximately 2 weeks after exposure)
  3. A skin rash
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