Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with a common parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
This parasite can be found in:
undercooked or raw meat
raw eggs
cured meat, such as parma ham or salami
unpasteurised goat’s milk and dairy products made from it
cat faeces
soil or cat litter that is contaminated by an infected cat's faeces.
In pregnant women, the parasite can cause miscarriage or stillborn birth.
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a more serious condition and occurs when a woman becomes infected during pregnancy and passes the infection on to her unborn baby. This can result in the baby developing serious health problems such as blindness and brain damage.
Signs of toxoplasmosis include mild flu-like symptoms, such as high temperature, sore throat and aching muscles.
