Experiences with
Toxoplasmosis

Check if you have toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis does not usually cause any symptoms and most people do not know they've had it.

Some people may have flu-like symptoms such as:

high temperature
headache
sore throat
aching body
swollen glands
feeling tired
feeling sick or being sick

Some people may have more serious symptoms including:

confusion
blurred vision
slurred speech
unsteady walking

Risks of toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is not usually serious and normally gets better on its own.

But it can cause serious problems if you:

get it while you’re pregnant
have a weakened immune system – for example, if you have HIV or are having chemotherapy
have more severe symptoms such as confusion, blurred vision or slurred speech

If you get toxoplasmosis while you're pregnant it can cause miscarriage. If it spreads to your baby it can cause serious complications.

If you have a weakened immune system toxoplasmosis may cause problems with your eyes, brain, heart or lungs.

you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system, and have any symptoms of toxoplasmosis
you have blurred vision
you have difficulty walking

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .

If you're pregnant, you can also call your midwife for advice.

gets confused
has slurred speech

Find your nearest A&E

What happens at your GP appointment

The GP may do blood tests to see if you've been infected with toxoplasmosis. 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.

Treatment for toxoplasmosis

Most people who get toxoplasmosis get better without treatment.

However, you’ll usually be given medicines, including antibiotics, if you:

are pregnant
have a weakened immune system, for example, you’re taking immunosuppressant medicines or you have HIV
have symptoms affecting your eyes

Newborn babies with toxoplasmosis are also treated with antibiotics and sometimes other medicines to treat the symptoms.

If you’re seriously ill, you may need to be treated in hospital.

How to prevent toxoplasmosis

The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can be found in the poo of infected cats, and in undercooked meat. You can also catch it from soil that's been contaminated by cat poo.

There are things you can do if you're pregnant or have a weakened immune system to help you avoid toxoplasmosis.

wear gloves while gardening, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards
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
thoroughly cook meat, especially lamb, pork and venison
avoid cat poo in cat litter and soil if you can, wearing gloves if you need to empty cat litter trays and washing your hands afterwards

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 pregnant sheep or lambs
do not feed cats raw or undercooked meat

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.

SymptomsComplicationsMedical treatmentsPrevention

Toxoplasmosis does not always cause symptoms, but symptoms can include blurred vision, headache, confusion, swollen glands and a high temperature.

Toxoplasmosis is usually harmless. But it can cause serious complications if you’re pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have severe symptoms.

Most people with toxoplasmosis get better without treatment. Some people are at higher risk of serious illness and need to take medicines to treat it.

Things you can do to prevent getting toxoplasmosis include avoiding cat poo in litter trays or soil, thoroughly cooking meat, and washing your hands.