children s health issues
Toxoplasmosis in Newborns
Prevention of Toxoplasmosis in Newborns
Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter. If this is not possible, pregnant women should change the entire litter box every day because the toxoplasmosis eggs do not become infectious for about 24 hours after the cat excretes them. Woman also should wear gloves and then carefully wash their hands to reduce the risk of infection. Pregnant women should thoroughly cook meat before eating it. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly or peeled, and all food preparation should be followed immediately by handwashing. To reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus, infected pregnant women may be give the antibiotic spiramycin. However, this medication does not treat the fetus. Doctors may also give the combination antibiotictrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole to further prevent transmission. 