Toxoplasmosis

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite. In many people, it causes no symptoms at all or flu-like symptoms. But it can cause serious problems in babies or people with compromised immunity.

What causes toxoplasmosis?

A parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis. Cats are the primary carriers of the parasite, and people can get exposed from handling cat feces, eating or drinking contaminated food or water or using contaminated food preparation items.

What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis may cause flu-like symptoms such as headache, body aches, fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes. In people with immunity problems, it can lead to seizures, lung problems, blurred vision and other more severe problems.

What are toxoplasmosis care options?

Minor cases of toxoplasmosis don’t require treatment. A couple of different medications can help rid the body of the illness when symptoms are more severe.

---

Reviewed by: Carolina Sanchez-Vegas, MD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:28 PM