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.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• 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.