you can lower your risk of getting toxoplasmosis by avoiding possible sources of the toxoplasma parasite. your risk increases if you: eat undercooked meat or any food that has touched raw meat. any meat is potentially infected. eat or drink contaminated fruits vegetables or water. eat with unwashed hands or utensils that have touched raw meat. clean a cat's litter box and fail to wash your hands afterward or breathe in cat litter dust. garden or work the soil without gloves and hand-washing. the parasite can survive in soil for months after being left behind by a cat. risks to the fetus the further along in pregnancy you become infected by toxoplasmosis the greater the chance of fetal infection. but the earlier fetal infection occurs the greater the risk of more severe problems after birth. any baby born with toxoplasmosis needs treatment to prevent later problems from the infection. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what increases the risk of getting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?