Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by exposure to the toxoplasma gondii parasite, which cats can pick up from eating infected prey or meat, or by coming into contact with infected faeces. In adult humans, toxoplasmosis usually only causes swollen glands, but if a pregnant woman comes into contact with the parasite, it can lead to foetal hydroencephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or lesions in the retina or brain.

Advertisement

But veterinarians say it's probably not necessary to get rid of a beloved pet to protect your baby's health. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis offers this advice:

If you're pregnant, avoid all contact with cat faeces, keep cats indoors, feed them a diet of commercial food, and cook meat to at least 67 degrees Celsius. Also, you should wear rubber gloves when gardening in outdoor soil that may be contaminated by cat faeces, and always wash produce thoroughly.

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

JOBS

Civil Engineering Technician Gauteng - Johannesburg Staff Nurse Western Cape ICU Registered Nurse Western Cape Maternity Ward Nurse Western Cape Senior Financial Manager CA (SA) R600,000-650,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Senior Financial Manager CA (SA) R600,000-650,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - Johannesburg Business Development Manager R400,000-550,000 Per Annum Cost To Company Gauteng - East Rand Cost / Clinical Audit Clerk (Medical Aid) Western Cape Find more jobs Register your CV Post a job