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.

Check if you have toxoplasmosis

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:

• high temperature
• aching muscles
• tiredness
• feeling sick
• sore throat
• swollen glands

If you do have symptoms, they normally get better on their own within about 6 weeks.

Once you have had toxoplasmosis you cannot catch it again.

See a GP if:

• you're pregnant or you have a weak immune system and you think you may have toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is usually harmless, but in rare cases it can lead to serious problems.

You are more at risk if:

• you get infected in pregnancy – toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage. If it spreads to your baby it can cause serious complications, especially if you catch it early in pregnancy
• your immune system is weakened – for example, if you have HIV or you're having chemotherapy. The infection may affect your eyes or brain

What happens at your GP appointment

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.

How to prevent toxoplasmosis

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 are pregnant or have a weak immune system:

Do

• 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

Don't

• 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

Important

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.