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.
  • Wash your hands after you work in the garden or handle soil.
  • Wash all foods that could have touched cat droppings. This includes fruits and vegetables you buy at the store.
  • Make sure the meat you eat is well cooked.