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What is it?

Toxoplasmosis is a common disease found in birds and mammals across North America. The infection is caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondi and affects 10-20 out of every 100 people in North America by the time they are adults.

What are the symptoms?

Most people who are infected do not show any signs of the disease. Those who do get sick usually have a flu-like illness and may experience fever, sore throat, sore muscles, and tiredness. Glands in the neck, armpits or groin can become swollen but are usually not sore. In some cases the infection can also cause temporary blurred vision or loss of vision. Persons who are pregnant or experiencing a suppressed immune system due to AIDS, cancer or organ transplantation should follow the advice in this fact sheet.

How is it spread?

All animals and birds can be infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite. The parasite enters the muscles of a bird or animal when it eats raw meat or drinks the milk of an infected animal. Cats can also spread the parasite in the faeces.

Common ways for people to become infected with toxoplasmosis include:

• eating raw or undercooked meat
• drinking unpasteurized milk
• cleaning cat litter boxes
• working in gardens or playing in sandboxes that contain cat faeces

The virus is not spread from person to person except from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

What if I am pregnant?

A growing fetus can become infected with the toxoplasmosis parasite if the mother is infected with the parasite while pregnant. Infection in the unborn child early in pregnancy can result in miscarriage, early delivery and poor fetal growth. If a child is born with toxoplasmosis he or she can experience eye problems, rash, jaundice, hydrocephalus (water on the brain), convulsions, or mental disabilities. If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, be sure to follow the appropriate precautions.

What precautions can I take?

• avoid eating undercooked meat, particularly pork and mutton

• do not drink unpasteurized milk

• be careful not to breathe in dust when cleaning the cat litter box

• if you are pregnant or immune compromised avoid cleaning out litter boxes

• wear gloves when gardening or playing in sandboxes and wash hands after removing gloves

For more information, please contact Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456