Health Tip: Toxoplasmosis is Dangerous During Pregnancy

An infection passed in cat feces

Related Encyclopedia • Abscess • Actinomycosis • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Adult) • AIDS and HIV Infection More... Related Healthscout Videos Baby Steps: Fertility Findings Saving Infants from Killer Bacteria: NEC Patch It Up! The Flu Shot of the Future? Tumor Detecting App: Medicine's Next Big Thing? More... Related Animations • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Erectile Dysfunction • Facelift More... Related Drug Information • Abilify • Actonel • Augmentin • Bactroban Cream More... Related News Articles • Many Gay Men Would Support 'Home HIV Test': Study • HIV Severity, Treatment Unrelated to Kids' Mental Woes: Study • H1N1 'Swine' Flu Makes a Comeback in Mexico • Repeat C-Section Best Scheduled at 39 Weeks, Study Says More...

(HealthDay News) -- Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can cause serious problems during pregnancy. Cats can carry the infection, and transmit it in their feces.

Text Continues Below

---

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these suggestions to reduce pregnant women's risk of contracting toxoplasmosis:

• During pregnancy, have someone else clean out the litter box. If you are the only one who can clean it, wear gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water afterward.
• Make sure the litter box is cleaned daily.
• Don't let pet cats outside, which can increase their risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis.
• Avoid contact with any stray cat.
• Stick to dry or canned cat food, and don't feed your cat raw or undercooked meat.

-- Diana Kohnle