Illness name: toxoplasmosis
Description:
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection that you can catch from the poo of infected cats, or infected meat. It's usually harmless but can cause serious problems in some people.
Toxoplasmosis does not usually cause any symptoms and most people do not realise they've had it.
Some people get flu-like symptoms, such as:
If you do have symptoms, they normally get better on their own within about 6 weeks.
Once you've had toxoplasmosis you cannot catch it again.
Toxoplasmosis is usually harmless, but in rare cases it can lead to serious problems.
You're more at risk if:
The GP may do blood tests to see if you've been infected. They can also prescribe medicines to treat the infection if necessary.
If you're pregnant and you test positive for toxoplasmosis, the GP can refer you for more tests to see if your baby has been infected. This is very rare.
The baby charity Tommy's has more advice on
toxoplasmosis and pregnancy
.
The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis is found in the poo of infected cats, and in infected meat. You can also catch it from soil that's been contaminated by cat poo.
If you're pregnant or have a weak immune system:
wear gloves while gardening
wash your hands before preparing food and eating
wash hands, knives and chopping boards thoroughly after preparing raw meat
wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to get rid of any traces of soil
wear gloves while emptying cat litter trays and empty them every day
do not eat raw or undercooked meat, or cured meats like salami or parma ham
do not have unpasteurised goats' milk or any products made from it
do not touch or handle pregnant sheep or lambs
You cannot catch toxoplasmosis from stroking a cat, having a cat as a pet or from coming into contact with someone who's got it.
Page last reviewed: 10 September 2020
Toxoplasmosis
Check if you have toxoplasmosis
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP if:
What happens at your GP appointment
How to prevent toxoplasmosis
Do
Don’t
Important
Next review due: 10 September 2023