Toxoplasmosis is a fairly common infectious disease. It can be contracted by coming into contact with cat faeces or by eating contaminated meat and vegetables. Generally it does not give any symptoms and resolves spontaneously, which is why it can happen to take it without even realizing it.
Sometimes a generic symptomatology may appear, that is common to many other infectious diseases, with swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle fatigue and fever.
Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is a very dangerous disease. It is therefore advisable to test for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii already when you are planning a pregnancy or immediately after discovering that you are pregnant. If the igg are positive it means that in the past the infection has already contracted and that it is protected. Otherwise, it is very important to take some precautions.
Precautions against toxoplasmosis in pregnancy
In order not to contract toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, or in the period in which a pregnancy is being planned, it is necessary to respect some simple, but very important hygienic rules.
- Always wash fruits and vegetables with baking soda or a food disinfectant.
- Do not handle raw meat and do not eat raw or undercooked meat, including all the raw meats (bresaola, ham, salami, etc.), preferring a healthy and balanced diet.
- Avoid contact with cats and in particular with their feces . For women who own a cat it is advisable to delegate the daily cleaning of the litter. It is also important to keep the litter box very clean because eliminating faeces within 24 hours limits the risk of infection. If it is not possible to delegate this task to others, wear gloves and then wash your hands well.
- Avoid gardening and in the garden and, if this is not possible, protect your hands with gloves.
- In case you happen to touch sensitive objects, for example earth or raw meat and vegetables, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
