BOLTON chemists are spearheading a national campaign to warn pregnant women about the danger an infection which poses a potentially fatal risk to unborn babies.
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite and is caught by eating anything infected with the parasite.
The food could be raw or undercooked meat, unwashed, uncooked vegetables and fruit, unpasteurised goats milk and products made from it or soil contaminated with cat faeces.
The infection can pass to unborn baby, but only if it is contracted during pregnancy, or shortly before conception. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth or damage to the baby's brain and other organs, particularly the eyes.
A new information leaflet is now available from pharmacies which explains about toxoplasmosis, how to avoid it and what action to take if you think you're at risk.
The leaflet has been produced by the Toxplasmosis Trust, in conjunction with the Pharmacy Healthcare Scheme and SmithKline Beecham and is available from pharmacists across Bolton.
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