Pregnant
Women And
Toxoplasmosis
Pet
Safety Tips
Pregnant
women need to be aware that toxoplasmosis (TOX-so-plaz-MO-sis) can
cause problems with pregnancy, including abortion. Toxoplasmosis
is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
This parasite is carried by cats and is passed in their feces
(stool). However, people are more likely to get toxoplasmosis
from eating undercooked meat or gardening than from contact with
pet cats. By following simple safety tips, pregnant women can
reduce the risk of getting toxoplasmosis from cats.
- If
you own a cat, have a non-pregnant person change the litter
box every day. If there is no one else to change the litter
box, wear gloves and wash hands with soap and running water
after changing the litter.
- Risk
may be reduced if the litter box is changed every day.
- Keep
cats indoors.
- Avoid
adopting or handling stray cats.
- Feed
cats only canned or dried commercial cat food, never undercooked
or raw meat.
- Do
not bring a new cat into your house that might have been an
outdoor cat or might have been fed raw meat.
Toxoplasmosis:
An important message for cat owners - An informative brochure
about the role cats play in toxoplasmosis and how you can protect
you and your baby.
Preventing
congenital toxoplasmosis. Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, March 31, 2000; Vol 49(No
RR02): 57-75.
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