Food Safety: Keep you and your baby safe from toxoplasmosis 
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite. For most people, the body’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, if you become infected while pregnant, you can pass an infection to your unborn child, even if you are not ill. The best way to protect your unborn child is by protecting yourself against toxoplasmosis.
Follow this advice to prevent toxoplasmosis:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching soil, sand, raw meat, or unwashed vegetables.
- Cook your meat completely. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 160°F. Chicken and turkey need to be cooked to a higher temperature. Click here to learn more. Do not sample meat until it is cooked.
- Freeze meat for several days before cooking to greatly reduce the chance of infection.
- Wash all cutting boards and knives with hot soapy water after each use.
- Wash and/or peel all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Cats can spread this parasite. Have someone else change the litter box if possible. If you have to change it, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.
- Wear gloves when gardening or handling sand from a sandbox. Cats may use gardens or sandboxes as litter boxes. Wash hands afterward.
- Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling in less developed countries.
Ask your health care provider if you have questions about toxoplasmosis and pregnancy. Visit these websites for more information:
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