What is toxoplasmosis ?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the microscopic parasite Toxoplasma gondii . It is a very common parasite and more than 60 million people in the United States may have the parasite.Although infection is generally mild, pregnant women and people with low immune system require treatment to reduce the severity of the disease.
How can I get infected with toxoplasmosis ?
You can get infected if you :
- touch cat poop
- eat raw or undercooked food
- eat unwashed fruits and vegetables
- touch dirt or sand
- touch kitchen utensils and cutting boards used to prepare raw or undercooked meat, fruits and vegetables
NOTE : Toxoplasmosis cannot be spread from person to person. However an infected pregnant women can transmit the infection to an unborn baby. You may also get it through infected blood transfusion or organ transplant.
Are there any symptoms associated with toxoplasmosis ?
This infection remains asymptomatic most of the time. People who experience symptoms usually show flu like symptoms such as :
- muscle ache
- fatigue
- headache
- swollen glands
- sore throat