#IDFridays Week 37: Giardiasis

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No one likes having an upset stomach. The giardiasis parasite causes diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms

Photo Credits: Wisegeek, CDC

Name
Giardiasis also known as beaver fever

Transmission

A serious intestinal infection caused by a parasite
People become infected from swallowing the parasite in water (unfiltered drinking-water/ice or recreational water)
The parasite also spreads through the feces of infected humans or animals:
- When food or surfaces are contaminated by infected feces
- The parasites can also move from person-to-person through direct contact with infected feces (ex: hands become contaminated) or anal sex
The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it resistant to chlorine disinfection

Geography
Worldwide

Incubation Period
1 – 3 weeks

Signs and Symptoms

Some infected people have no symptoms, but typical symptoms include:

Upset stomach
Nausea
Gas
Diarrhea
Greasy stool
Floating stool
Stomach cramps
Dehydration

Diagnosis
Laboratory testing of stool samples

Treatment
A combination of antibiotics and medications help decrease the amount of time symptoms last

Prognosis

Most people with giardiasis recover fully within 2 to 6 weeks
Occasionally, symptoms last longer

Prevention: What Can You Do?

Avoid eating uncooked food (especially raw fruit and vegetables)
Do not drink unfiltered water (always purify by boiling for at least 5 min, filtering, or purifying using chemicals)
Practice good hygiene

Giardiasis In the News

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/
http://www.who.int/ith/diseases/giardiasis/en/