On World Health Day, Monday 7th April to promote 'Healthy Environments for Children', the National Council for the Blind of Ireland is encouraging all expectant mothers to be aware of the causes of Toxoplasmosis and the effects it can have on unborn children.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caught by a parasite. If caught during childhood or adulthood it is harmless, and figures from the UK estimate that by the age of 30, 30% of people will have already had the infection unkown to them, and will be immune for life. However, If caught during pregnancy it can seriously affect the health of the unborn baby, which may be born with epilepsy, hydrocephalus, partial loss of sight or even blindness.

Desmond Kenny, Chief Executive of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland explains the aim of the campaign. "The number of people registered with NCBI as a result of toxoplasmosis is relatively low at nine people, and we do not wish to cause undue alarm to expectant mothers. However, we would like to remind expectant mothers of the simple measures that can be taken to avoid catching the infection. A little caution now may help the health of their unborn child in the future."

NCBI is encouraging women who are pregnant to

· Only eat meat that is thoroughly cooked.

· Wash hands and all cooking utensils and surfaces after preparing raw meat.

· Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly to remove all traces of soil.

· Avoid unpasteurised goat's milk and unpasteurised goat's milk products.

· Wear rubber globes when handling dirty cat litter, and always wash hands afterwards.

· Wear rubber gloves when gardening, and always wash hands afterwards.

· Avoid soil contaminated with cat faeces or dirty cat litter.

· Stay away from sheep at lambing time.

This World Health Day, NCBI encourages women to follow these tips for a healthier safer environment for their children.