The Low Down on Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that infects a large percentage of people. Often people are completely unaware that they carry the parasite as the human immune system is usually very proficient at dealing with it and no symptoms are noticed. If symptoms do occur they are often flu-like in nature and simply attributed to a cold. However toxoplasmosis can be deadly for unborn babies and is believed to cause miscarriage in pregnant women.
One of the main carriers of toxoplasmosis is cats. The parasite is often prevalent in birds and small rodents and as cats are quite partial to these delicacies they can often be infected. The parasite can then be found in cat faeces. Humans can then become infected when they unwittingly swallow cat faeces (perish the thought!) which can happen when people handle litter trays or garden without using gloves.
To minimise the dangers of this parasite you need to follow strict hygiene guideline with your cat. If you are pregnant do not change the litter tray or clean it. Get someone else to do the deed. If you must handle the litter tray always wear protective gloves and be careful not to touch your mouth. When gardening again use protective gloves and clean hands thoroughly afterwards.
In general cats are very clean and you won’t become infected by handling your cat but discourage your cat jumping up on kitchen surfaces or beds to be on the safe side.