Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It affects almost all animals including humans. Toxoplasmosis is not dangerous to the normal healthy adult. Many people do not even know that they have the infection as they might only have mild flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. Toxoplasmosis is dangerous to the unborn child where the infection can affect the baby's eyes and brain. It is very uncommon and the records show only fifteen recorded babies affected per year. (compared with 800,000 births) in the United Kingdom

Cats and undercooked meat are thought to be the principal courses of human infection. You should take the following precautions during your pregnancy.

	Never empty cat litter trays-if you really cannot avoid doing so wear rubber gloves, and wash your hands afterwards. Disinfect cat litter trays daily for 5 minutes with boiling water.
	Always wear gloves for gardening and wash your hands after touching soil. Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to ensure there is no soil contamination.
	Never eat raw or undercooked meat-be particularly careful of lamb and pork, but even hamburgers can contain the parasite. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat. Wash kitchen surfaces and utensils after contact with raw meat.