Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. More than 60 million people in the United States have the parasite. Most of them don't get sick. But the parasite causes serious problems for some people. These include people with weak immune systems and babies whose mothers become infected for the first time during pregnancy.

The toxoplasma parasite lives in the flesh of many animals, from mice to cattle, and infects other animals that eat them, like cats and humans. The parasite is killed by cooking and pasteurization.

Sources	Contaminated meat that is raw or not well cooked Utensils or cutting boards after they've had contact with raw meat Feces from an infected cat Contaminated water An organ transplant or blood transfusion from an infected person
Incubation Period	Approximately 1-3 weeks
Symptoms	Most infections produce no symptoms. Symptoms in otherwise healthy people include: Enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck Headache Mild illness with fever Muscle pain Sore throat In rare cases, eye disease with visual loss can occur Symptoms in people with weakened immune systems may be severe. These symptoms include: Confusion Fever Headache Blurred vision Seizures
What Do I Do?	Most people with toxoplasmosis don't need treatment. If eye symptoms occur, or if symptoms appear in a baby or someone who has a weakened immune system, call your doctor immediately.
How Can I Prevent Illness?	Avoid eating undercooked and raw meats. Freeze meat to -4 ° F for 2 days. Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly with soap and water after contact with raw meat. Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with cat feces or soil that is contaminated with cat feces. Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating Pregnant women should avoid contact with cat feces and take the precautions listed above to prevent illness. All HIV-infected people should get tested for antibody to Toxoplasma soon after their HIV infection is diagnosed.

Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

If you had toxoplasmosis at least six months before becoming pregnant, your unborn child is protected by your immunity and will not be affected.

If you get toxoplasmosis for the first time while you are pregnant, or just before pregnancy, then you can pass the infection on to your baby. You may not have any symptoms. Most infected newborns do not have symptoms but can develop serious symptoms later in life, such as blindness or mental disability. Some infected newborns have serious eye or brain damage at birth.

If you are infected during pregnancy, medication is available. You and your baby should be closely monitored during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

For more information on toxoplasmosis and pregnancy, see:

• Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy FAQs (CDC)
• Brochure: Toxoplasmosis: An Important Message for Women(CDC)
• Before You’re Pregnant: Toxoplasma (FDA)
• While You’re Pregnant: Toxoplasma (FDA)

General Information

Toxoplasmosis (NIH MedlinePlus)
Trusted health information on causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Toxoplasmosis FAQs (CDC)
Answers to frequently asked questions about Toxoplasma and toxoplasmosis.