The Virginia Food Poisoning Lawyers at our firm are available to speak with you for an immediate review of food poisoning cases. Food poisoning is all too frequent in Virginia, and often results in a serious injury which requires extensive medical care and in heavy medical bills. Food poisoning victims typically feel terrible, lack strength, and don't have time or energy to deal with conducting research about their legal rights. Unfortunately, this predicament can lead to victims losing access to important information which may have made all the difference in terms of them being able to win their serious food poisoning injury case. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasites in the world. This parasitic organism can infect animals and birds causing them to become carriers of this foodborne illness. Domestic and wild cats are the parasite's ultimate host because this parasite only reproduces in cats. The entire cycle of this parasite begins when these cats eat infected prey such as birds and mice, or if they are fed contaminated meat or soil.

Symptoms

• Body Aches
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Headaches
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore Throat

How Can I Become Infected?

You can become infected through cat feces, ingesting contaminated food or water , contaminated utensils, and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Also you may become infected by an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion.

Prevention

• Whenever you work in the garden, or with soil, be sure to wear gloves as well as wash your hands.

• Be sure not to eat raw or undercooked meat. It is important for the internal temperature of the meat to reach 160 degrees F.

• Also, wash utensils that have handled raw meat thoroughly.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables, especially when you are eating them raw.

• Unpasteurized goat's milk products sometimes contain these parasites.