Cat parasite linked to mental illness, schizophrenia19actionnews.comT. gondii is the most common parasite in developed nations, according toSchizophrenia Bulletin. The cat-carried parasite can infect any warm-blooded species, and the Centers for Diseas... READ MORE»
TUNE IN! Dr. Smith will be on 19 action News TODAY at 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Researchers have identified a link between schizophrenia and a common cat parasite, called Toxoplasmosis. This is the same organism that warrants pregnant women to be careful when scooping the litterbox. People are also exposed to Toxoplasma gondii through gardening and eating undercooked meat. Some quick tips to avoid exposure: Keep your cat indoors. Scoop the litterbox daily (It takes time to become infective). Wear gardening gloves. Freeze pork before you cook it. Don't drink unpasteurized goat milk. And...wash your hands with soap and water!