Toxoplasmosis
General Information
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. The disease can be acquired by ingesting raw or undercooked infected meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison, or raw milk that contains the parasite. The parasite is shed primarily in the feces of infected cats, and humans can become infected by the ingestion of food, water, or dirt contaminated with cat feces. After the parasite is shed in cat feces, it takes one to five days to become infective and then may remain infective for months to years. Toxoplasmosis can also be acquired through a transplacental infection, when an infected mother passes the infection to her fetus.
Information for Providers
This is a Wisconsin disease surveillance category II disease:
- Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease case report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
- Information on communicable disease reporting.
Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines
Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01884 Toxoplasmosis (PDF)
Questions about Toxoplasmosis? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-261-4976
Wisconsin Local Health Departments – Regional offices – Tribal agencies