Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
Caring for Kids:
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite often found in undercooked meat and contact with Toxoplasma gondii eggs from soil or other contaminated surfaces (e.g. cat litter).
To prevent infection, avoid undercooked or raw meat and raw unwashed fruit and vegetables. Be sure to wash your hands well after gardening and use gloves.
More information about toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis usually does not cause serious problems, but if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, it can sometimes pass to the baby and cause serious health problems, especially if infection occurs early in pregnancy. There is no evidence that toxoplasmosis spreads through breastfeeding or direct contact between people.
It is important to always wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Especially after handling raw meat or spending time outside in soil that might be contaminated by animal feces (poop), especially cats.
For more information:
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have toxoplasmosis?
No exclusion necessary, unless too ill to participate in activities or has a fever with behavioural change.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Ontario Test Information:
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Aug 2026, by CDC