Toxoplasmosis is the 3rd leading cause of death in foodborne illnesses according to the CDD.
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that travels from rodents to cats and to humans. It can go undetected because most infected persons do not show symptoms as their immune systems supress the parasite. Toxoplasmosis, which is transmitted via cat faeces (found on unwashed vegetables) and raw or undercooked infected meat, is relatively common, with 10-20% of the UK population and 22% of the US population estimated to carry the parasite as cysts.
Toxoplasmosis can cause blindness and brain damage in infants and young children. Most people with the parasite are healthy, but for those who are immune-suppressed -- and particularly for pregnant women -- there are significant health risks that can occasionally be fatal.
A recent study has shown a link between toxoplasmosis infection and schizophrenia.
Dr Glenn McConkey, lead researcher on the project, says: “Toxoplasmosis changes some of the chemical messages in the brain, and these changes can have an enormous effect on behaviour. Studies have shown there is a direct statistical link between incidences of schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis infection and our study is the first step in discovering why there is this link.” (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085151.htm)
Treatment is available for pregnant women. You should consult your wife's physician for follow-up medical care.
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