San José, Costa Rica. December, 2015.

Toxoplasmosis is found in all human beings around the world, as well as in many animal and bird species, but the parasite lives in cats. Most of the cases of this ailment are asymptomatic.

According to Dr. Carla Carballo, general physician of the Clínica Bíblica Hospital, “at least 80% is asymptomatic but the symptoms are oriented towards fatigue, general discomfort, hepatitis, spleen issues, headaches, muscle pain, among others.”

This ailment can appear in any person without distinction of gender or age; it is even common that it may not be perceived. It can be transmitted to humans through blood transfusions or solid organ transplants, handling of cat litter, consumption of contaminated soil and consumption of raw or badly cooked lamb, pork or beef meat.

“It is important to detect this ailment in pregnant women, since the fetuses do not have a way to protect themselves and the infection can be passed from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta, becoming congenital toxoplasmosis and could cause eye problems for the baby, for example: retinopathy or brain level gassing,” commented Dr. Carballo.

In addition to the looking for symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, swollen glands, IGG and IGM blood tests are performed, which tell us if we have been exposed or if the infection is active.

How to prevent it?

• Keep pets clean.
• Vaccinate pets.
• Proper handling of animal feces.
• Do not eat raw meat.
• Drink boiled and clean water.
• Drink pasteurized milk.

In order to obtain further information or to request an appointment in any of the medical specialties with the best doctors of Costa Rica, please contact the private hospital Clínica Bíblica at telephone number 2522-1000, at email citas@clinicabiblica.com or vía chat on the website www.clinicabiblica.com