Health warning issued over parasitic infection

THE HSE and animal experts have issued a warning about the health risks surrounding the potentially serious infection toxoplasmosis.

Those at risk of contracting the infection include pet owners, farmers, vets, animal handlers and anyone who handles food. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite, the toxoplasma gondii.

HSE public health medicine specialist Dr Ann Marie O’Byrne said while the parasite is harmless to most healthy adults and children, it can cause illness in people with underdeveloped or weakened immune systems.