Toxoplasmosis, 2015

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by the coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the primary reservoir for T. gondii. T. gondii transmission in the United States is primarily foodborne, through the consumption of undercooked meat, or food or water that has been contaminated with cat feces; people also can be infected through direct contact with cat feces that contain the parasite.

MDH conducts passive physician and laboratory-based surveillance for toxoplasmosis. In 2014, 7 confirmed cases of toxoplasmosis were reported, similar to the 8 cases reported in 2013. Four of the 7 cases had immunosuppressing conditions. Three cases were diagnosed with cerebral toxoplasmosis, 2 with ocular toxoplasmosis, and 2 with generalized toxoplasmosis. One case was a pregnant woman which resulted in a second trimester stillbirth. The median age of cases was 34 years (range, 25 to 78 years). Four (57%) cases were male. Of the 5 cases for whom race and ethnicity information were available, 3 were white, 1 was black, and 1 was Asian; all 5 cases were non-Hispanic.

• For up to date information see>> Toxoplasmosis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2015