Toxoplasmosis, 2016

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 handling or consumption of undercooked pork, lamb, or venison containing bradyzoites, the microscopic tissue cyst form of the parasite. People also can be infected through direct contact with cat feces that contains Toxoplasma oocysts or though consumption of food or water that has been contaminated with oocysts.

In 2016, 7 cases were reported, similar to the 9 reported in 2015 and 7 reported in 2014. Three cases had immunocompromising conditions. Six cases were diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis, and 1 case was diagnosed with generalized toxoplasmosis. There was 1 congenital case and no pregnant cases. The median age of cases was 39 years (range, 18 to 78 years). Three cases were male. Three cases were white, 2 were black, and 2 were Asian; all 7 were non-Hispanic.

• For up to date information see>> Toxoplasmosis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2016