Giardiasis
Frequently Asked Questions
 
   

What is giardiasis?
 

Giardiasis is a diarrheal illness caused by Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia), a one-celled, microscopic parasite that lives in the intestine of people and animals. The parasite is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time. During the past 2 decades, Giardia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (drinking and recreational) in humans

   
   
   

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?
 

Symptoms include diarrhea, loose or watery stool, stomach cramps, and upset stomach. These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration.

   
   

How long after infection do symptoms appear?
  Symptoms generally begin 1-2 weeks after being infected. 
   
   

How long will symptoms last?
  In otherwise healthy persons, symptoms may last 2-6 weeks. Occasionally, symptoms last longer. 
   
   

How is giardiasis spread?
 

Giardia lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Giardia may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Giardia is not spread by contact with blood. Giardia can be spread:

  • By putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something that has come in contact with the stool of a person or animal infected with Giardia. 

  • By swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water is water in swimming pools, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals.

  • By eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia.

  • By accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) contaminated with stool from an infected person.

Who is at risk?
 

Everyone. Persons at increased risk for giardiasis include child care workers; children who attend day care centers, including diaper-aged children; swimmers; and others who drink or accidentally swallow water from contaminated sources that is untreated (no heat inactivation, filtration, or chemical disinfection). Several community-wide outbreaks of giardiasis have been linked to drinking municipal water or recreational water contaminated with Giardia.

   
   
What should I do if I think I have giardiasis?
  See your Doctor.
   
   

How is a Giardia infection diagnosed?
 

Your health care provider will likely ask you to submit stool samples to see if you have the parasite. Because Giardia can be difficult to diagnose, he or she may ask you to submit several stool specimens over several days.

   
   

What is the treatment for giardiasis?
 

Several prescription drugs are available to treat Giardia. Consult with your Doctor. Although Giardia can infect all people, young children and pregnant women may be more susceptible to the dehydration resulting from diarrhea and should drink plenty of fluids while ill. 

   
   

How can I prevent Giardia infection?
  Practice good hygiene.
   
 

  1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    a. Wash hands after using the toilet and before handling or eating food (especially for persons suffering with diarrhea).
    b. Wash hands after every diaper change, especially if you work with diaper-aged children    .

  2. Protect others by not swimming if experiencing diarrhea.
   
  Avoid water that might be contaminated.
   
 
  1. Avoid swallowing recreational water.

  2. Avoid drinking untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams.

  3. Avoid drinking untreated water during community-wide outbreaks of disease caused by contaminated drinking water.
  4. Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water when traveling in countries where the water supply might be unsafe.
  5. If you are unable to avoid drinking or using water that might be contaminated, then treat the water yourself by:
    Heating the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.
   
  Avoid food that might be contaminated.
   
 
  1. Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
  2. Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
  3. Avoid eating uncooked foods.