How To

How to Identify Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis

Contributor
By Denise Wang
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Taxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that enters the body through food or drinks that contain a particular germ called toxoplasma gondi. It infects humans and animals. Humans may be affected through the gastrointestinal tract, the heart, skin and nerves.Both men and women as well as children of all ages may be susceptible to toxoplasmosis, so learning how to identify the condition may help prompt early treatment and prevent any complications.Risks for the condition increase with eating raw eggs or partially cooked meats. Such risks also increase from eating fruits or vegetables from infected soil.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Watch for odd symptoms that may or may not include a sudden sore throat, fever or fatigue. While many individuals don't show early signs or symptoms of the condition, the early signs mimic the flu or the common cold.

  2. Step 2

    Feel your throat or your child's and see if you can feel any swollen lymph nodes. These are found near the front of the neck, directly beneath the jaw hinge.

  3. Step 3

    Pay attention to any complaints of muscle aches. Like the flu or a cold, toxoplasmosis also presents muscle aches.

  4. Step 4

    Watch for signs of a rash. Some individuals diagnosed with toxoplasmosis come down with a rash that covers most parts of the body.

  5. Step 5

    Be aware of any signs of inflammation near the retina, in the eye. This inflammation can also be followed by redness or soreness in the eye.

Tips & Warnings
  • Cook meat well to present the germ carried by the parasite from entering the body through food. Clean raw veggies and fruits well prior to eating.
  • Inflammation in the eyes or the heart or the brain may cause medical problems that should be dealt with immeditely.

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