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Background

Toxoplasmosis is a systemic protozoan disease, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and often asymptomatic in humans.  Immunosuppressive individuals such as HIV-infected patients who contact this parasite will develop severe symptoms. The parasite infects most species of warm blooded animals such as humans, sheep, cattle, swine, rodents and birds etc. The only known definitive hosts for T. gondii are domestic cats. Taiwan CDC promotes several awareness campaigns including food safety tips taken to reduce your chances of infected with T. gondii.

Toxoplasmosis Surveillance in Taiwan

1.Taiwan National Infectious Disease Statistics System-Toxoplasmosis

2.Self-reporting through the toll-free 1922 hotline .

Prevention and Control

1.To prevent Toxoplasmosis, avoid contact with the parasites.

2.Taiwan CDC calls for several hygiene policies including food safety tips taken to reduce the risk of infected with T. gondii.

  (1)Meat should be over the cooked temperature of 66 degrees only thoroughly cooked meat. 

  (2)To avoid Mother-to-child (congenital) transmission, women planning pregnancy should get test for T. gondii.

  (3)Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with stray cats and practice good personal hygiene.

Epidemiology

Toxoplasmosis was included as one of the category IV Notifiable Diseases in Taiwan in 2007.During 2009-2018, There were 122 cases of toxoplasmosis. The age of these cases ranged from 10 to 71 years old, comprising 66 males and 56 females. Most of the cases belonged to the 30 ~ 39 age groups. 

FAQs

1.What is toxoplasmosis?

  Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan disease, caused by Toxoplasma gondii . A healthy person's immune

  system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals

  who have compromised immune systems are at risk for contracting the disease. 

2.How do people get toxoplasmosis?

  (1)Consuming undercooked and contaminated meat (such as pork).

  (2)Accidental ingestion of undercooked and contaminated meat after it was not properly handling it.

  (3)Drinking water contaminated with T. gondii.

  (4)Accidentally swallowing the parasite through contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. 

  (5)Congenital (mother-to-child) transmission and receiving an infected organ transplant or infected

   blood via transfusion, though such cases are rare.

3.When should I be concerned about toxoplasmosis?

  Generally if you have been infected with Toxoplasma before becoming pregnant your unborn child is

  protected by your immunity. Some experts suggest waiting for 6 months after a recent infection to become pregnant.

More Information

• USA CDC | Toxoplasmosis