Final answer:
True, maintaining a clean nest box is crucial, especially for pregnant women, due to the risk of toxoplasmosis. This infection, caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, poses serious risks to the unborn baby if transmitted during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, a clean nest box is extremely important. For pregnant women specifically, it is advised to avoid cleaning their cat's litter box or to do so with protective gloves. This precaution is due to the risk of contracting an infection known as toxoplasmosis, a condition caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problems for the unborn baby, including birth defects and neurological disorders.
When a cat is infected with T. gondii, the parasite's eggs, referred to as oocysts, are shed in the cat's feces. These oocysts can become infectious after a few days and, if accidentally ingested by a pregnant woman, can lead to the transfer of the parasite to the fetus. Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in adults are often mild or non-existent, but the impact on the fetus can be significant.
Therefore, protective gloves and proper hygiene are strongly recommended when handling cat litter. If possible, another household member should take over the cleaning of the litter box during the woman's pregnancy to further reduce the risk of contracting toxoplasmic infection.