What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Many people who have toxoplasmosis do not show any signs at all. When symptoms do occur, they might include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness and muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
What causes toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. People can get infected in several ways:
- Eating undercooked or raw meat
- Handling cat litter or soil contaminated with the parasite
- Transferring the parasite through mother-to-child during pregnancy
- Organ transplants or blood transfusions from infected donors
How common is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is quite common and many people have been infected at some point in their lives without knowing it. It is estimated that around one in three people worldwide may have been exposed to the parasite.
Who is more likely to get toxoplasmosis?
Some groups of people are more at risk of getting sick from toxoplasmosis:
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or on certain medications
- Pregnant women, as the infection can affect the unborn child
- Newborns whose mothers were infected during pregnancy
How can I treat toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis usually clears up on its own if you are healthy, but treatment may be needed for those at risk. Doctors may prescribe:
- Medication to help fight the infection
- Regular check-ups to monitor the condition
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How to prevent toxoplasmosis?
You can reduce the risk of getting toxoplasmosis by following these tips:
- Cook meat thoroughly before eating
- Wash hands after handling cat litter or soil
- Keep cats indoors and feed them commercial cat food instead of raw meat
- Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil
How quickly can I recover from toxoplasmosis?
The recovery time for toxoplasmosis can vary. For healthy people, it usually goes away without any treatment in a few weeks. However, those who need treatment may take longer to recover, depending on their health.
What’s the outlook for toxoplasmosis?
For most healthy people, toxoplasmosis has a good outlook and does not cause serious issues. However, for pregnant women and people with weak immune systems, it can lead to more severe problems, so getting early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Final thoughts
Toxoplasmosis is a common infection that can usually be managed effectively. If you have concerns about your health or think you may have been exposed, it’s important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
