Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Adults can become infected after by eating raw or undercooked meat infected with Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts.
  • People can only become infected with Toxoplasma gondii parasites through contact with infected animal faeces (usually cat faeces).
  • A healthy person does not usually require treatment for toxoplasmosis, as symptoms are mild and usually disappear within a few weeks.
  • Pregnant women and people who have compromised immune systems should take precautions against toxoplasmosis.
  • A pregnant woman is advised to avoid contact with cats, as her unborn child is at increased risk of birth defects if parasites cross the placenta.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 12-05-2023