Toxoplamosis (tox-oh-plaz-MO-sis) is a disease contracted by humans that's caused by a parasite frequently found in cats. Careless handling of litter is the most frequent cause. It can also be contracted by eating undercooked meat. In adults, the symptoms closely resemble mononucleosis (mon-oh-nu-clee-OH-sis) and in most cases the disease isn't serious. The big danger is that it can be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn child, where it can cause serious problems ranging from blindness to learning disabilities. Prevention is the key. Pregnant women should wear rubber gloves when cleaning the litter box and wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. It's that simple. Oh, and you'd better order that hamburger well done.
