# Is toxoplasmosis dangerous for everyone? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-toxoplasmosis-dangerous-for-everyone Language: en Category: infectious Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.236Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.236Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/is-toxoplasmosis-dangerous-for-everyone No, toxoplasmosis is not dangerous for everyone. In fact, the parasite that causes the disease, *Toxoplasma gondii*, lives inside the bodies of millions of people around the world, and most do not show any symptoms or suffer from a mild flu-like illness that resolves spontaneously within weeks to months [\[1\]]() [\[2\]](). However, this parasite can cause very serious health problems for certain groups of people. ## Who is most at risk? Two main groups are considered most at risk of serious complications from toxoplasmosis: - **Pregnant women:** If the mother is infected for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus via the placenta, leading to what is known as congenital toxoplasmosis [\[3\]](). The problems are worse if the infection occurs early in pregnancy [\[3\]](). Affected infants may not show symptoms at birth, but they may develop problems later in life, such as damage to the eyes, brain, or other organs [\[1\]]() [\[2\]](). - **People with weakened immune systems:** This includes those living with HIV, those undergoing chemotherapy, or those who have recently received organ transplants [\[2\]](). In these cases, toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs [\[1\]](). ## How does infection occur? Toxoplasmosis infection can occur in several ways [\[2\]](): - **Through food:** Consuming undercooked or contaminated meat, raw shellfish, or unwashed fruits and vegetables [\[2\]](). - **From animal to human:** By accidentally ingesting the parasite from the feces of infected cats or contaminated soil containing the parasite [\[2\]](). - **From mother to child:** When the infection is transmitted from a newly infected mother to her fetus [\[2\]](). - **Other rare methods:** Such as receiving organ transplants or contaminated blood transfusions [\[2\]](). ## Symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis Infants with congenital infection may be born prematurely [\[3\]](). Symptoms at birth or developing later may include: enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), vision problems or eye damage, feeding problems, hearing loss, rash, or brain and nervous system damage that may lead to seizures or intellectual disability [\[3\]](). ## Necessary preventive steps To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, it is advised to follow these guidelines [\[2\]](): - **Food precautions:** Cook meat thoroughly until it reaches a safe internal temperature, and freeze meat for several days at 0°F (-18°C) or lower before cooking to significantly reduce the risk of infection [\[2\]](). Wash fruits and vegetables well under running water or cook them. Avoid drinking unpasteurized goat's milk and eating raw shellfish [\[2\]](). - **Hygiene practices:** Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat or anything that may be contaminated with cat feces [\[2\]](). Wear gloves when gardening or touching soil or sand that may be contaminated [\[2\]](). - **Handling cats:** If you have a cat, the litter box should be changed daily; ideally, someone else should do this, or you should wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward [\[2\]](). If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and think you are at risk of infection, or if you develop flu-like symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for the necessary tests [\[3\]](). A doctor may order blood tests to determine if you are infected [\[2\]](). For more information on this topic, you can visit [Toxoplasmosis: Infection, Risks, and Prevention (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Toxoplasmosis]() - [About Toxoplasmosis]() - [Congenital toxoplasmosis]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/is-toxoplasmosis-dangerous-for-everyone#answer