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pregnancy and toxoplasmosis2007-11-25 12:25:10

Alright ive heard that you arent suppost to change the litter box of a cat while you are pregnant. Because it can cause toxoplasmosis. What exactly is this and how do you catch it? Is it strictly in the litter? I mean i can still hold my cat n things like that right? As long as i stay away from the litter box? and what are the dangers of it? what does it cause? Anyone that knows anything about this, please share.:) Thanks so much!

Answers:

Hi Jess.here is the CDC factsheet on Toxoplasmosis and how you can contract this and it's effects on the unborn fetus: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/.

What is toxoplasmosis?

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

How do people get toxoplasmosis?

A Toxoplasma infection occurs by:

Accidentally swallowing cat feces from a Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the organism in its feces. This might happen if you were to accidentally touch your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat's litter box, or touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces. Eating contaminated raw or partly cooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison; by touching your hands to your mouth after handling undercooked meat.