Having cats as pets can be a source of joy and comfort, but it's important to be aware of the risks they may pose, especially to pregnant women. Cats that roam freely and scavenge for food can potentially carry toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that, while generally harmless to healthy individuals, can have serious implications for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. In this Newfemme article, we'll delve into the details of toxoplasmosis and why it's crucial to exercise caution, especially during pregnancy.
Understanding Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. In most cases, this infection results from consuming undercooked meat, coming into contact with contaminated cat feces, or transmission from an infected mother to her unborn baby.
For most healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis doesn't pose a significant threat and often goes unnoticed. However, it can lead to severe complications for newborns of infected mothers and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis
In healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis typically doesn't produce any noticeable symptoms. But in some cases, it can lead to flu-like signs such as body aches, headaches, fever, and weakness. In individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, toxoplasmosis can manifest with symptoms like headaches, confusion, seizures, respiratory problems, and blurred vision.
Pregnant women who contract toxoplasmosis can potentially pass the infection to their unborn child. This condition, known as congenital toxoplasmosis, can have serious consequences, with the highest risk of complications occurring when infection takes place during early pregnancy. In such cases, there is an increased risk of miscarriage or the baby being born with severe health issues, including seizures, enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, and severe eye infections.
Preventing Toxoplasmosis
To minimize the risk of toxoplasmosis, consider these preventive measures:
- Wear gloves while gardening and thoroughly wash your hands afterward.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat, particularly from goat and beef.
- Ensure cooking and eating utensils are cleaned thoroughly.
- Steer clear of unpasteurized milk.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
Caring for Cats While Minimizing Risks
If you have cats at home, here are some tips to reduce the risk of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite:
- Maintain your cat's health by providing high-quality cat food and avoiding raw meat in their diet.
- Prevent your cat from roaming outdoors unsupervised.
- Avoid close contact with stray cats.
- If you must clean the cat's litter box, wear gloves and a mask or have someone else do it.
Congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to debilitating issues in children, including hearing loss, vision impairment, and even cognitive disorders. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consider consulting a healthcare professional to check your toxoplasmosis infection status and ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Source:
Juber, M. & Harris-Ray, N. (2022). Pregnancy With Cats: What to Know. WebMD. [online]. https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-with-cats-what-to-know
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Toxoplasmosis. Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356249