Already exposed to toxoplasmosis....ok to change litter box?

angela_lynn80

When I was PG with DS, I tested positive to exposure to toxoplasmosis (before the pregnancy...probably as a child).

I can't remember since it was 3-4 years ago: it's okay to change the litterbox then (since I already have immunity), right? I've been doing it without a second thought...but now that everyone is talking about it on the 1st tri board, I'm wondering...

mbgreenwalt

If you have immunity 6-9 months prior to pregnancy you are fine.  You can be extra careful and wear gloves and a mask and wash afterwards. Most people have a higher chance of getting toxo from improperly prepared pork than cleaning a litter box.

angela_lynn80

Thanks

MsEmilyAnn

I wouldn't worry too much about cleaning the litter box as said above. Just be careful. You probably have a higher risk of getting it from just handling your cat(s) since they have been walking around in the litter box.

So...no sucking on your cats paws 

julesjb

Thought I would chime in because I am a vet. The good news about toxoplasmosis is after a cat is exposed they only shed it for about two weeks. So for an adult cat that does not go outside the risk is very very small that they could shed the parasite( still small risk if they hunt rodents in your house) I personally have my husband clean the box but I am abusing the system a bit because really there is no risk to me with proper hygiene. Like PP said major risk is with undercooked pork and also gardening!!

catch2010

julesjb:

Thought I would chime in because I am a vet. The good news about toxoplasmosis is after a cat is exposed they only shed it for about two weeks. So for an adult cat that does not go outside the risk is very very small that they could shed the parasite( still small risk if they hunt rodents in your house) I personally have my husband clean the box but I am abusing the system a bit because really there is no risk to me with proper hygiene. Like PP said major risk is with undercooked pork and also gardening!!

This!  My husband refuses to let me anywhere near the cat box because the midwife said it was a bad idea for me to clean it.  Now if I could get her to say that nightly footrubs are necessary for the baby's health...