Public Health
Survey
Help us improve our Health Website
Take 2-3 minutes to tell us what you are looking for today.
Your feedback will help us improve our site.
No thanks
Take 2-3 minutes to tell us what you are looking for today.
Your feedback will help us improve our site.
No thanksGiardia (pronounced jar-deeya) is a tiny parasite that causes an intestinal illness called Giardiasis. Giardia is found worldwide. Giardia is found in infected people's stool and cannot be seen by the naked eye. This germ is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time.
Most people who are infected do not have any symptoms. Symptoms include diarrhea, loose, mucousy pale greasy stool, stomach cramps, bloating, severe gas, weight loss, tiredness and dehydration.
It commonly takes 3-25 days for symptoms to start; the average is 7-10 days.
Accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) contaminated with stool from an infected person or animal
Drinking water or using ice made from contaminated sources (e.g., lakes, streams, poorly monitored or maintained wells)
Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs or spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with stool or waste from humans or animals
Eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia
Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis
Persons infected with Giardia continue to have the parasite in their stool the entire period of infection, often months if not treated.
Diagnosis is made by microscopic observation of the parasite in stool specimens submitted for ova/parasite testing. To assist physicians in diagnosis, it is important to mention any contact with water that may have been contaminated, travel history (including camping) and any contact with children suffering from diarrhea.
Treatment is recommended for Giardia if the person has symptoms. Treatment must be prescribed by a physician. The illness may stop without treatment, but if left untreated the illness can go on for more than one year.
The best way to prevent giardiasis is to wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper, after cleaning up from pets and always before handling and preparing food. Dispose of dirty diapers in a sanitary manner
Protect others by not swimming if you are experiencing diarrhea and for 1 week after your diarrhea stops. This is important for children in diapers
In the wilderness, never drink untreated lake or stream water. Even brushing teeth with it is unsafe. Always boil water for at least five minutes before drinking it, brushing teeth or making tea or coffee. Chemical purifiers alone will not kill these parasites
In the country, dispose of human waste properly. Outhouses should be away from water and not drain toward it. And when camping in the wilderness, bury waste far from water
In many countries, travellers should not drink the tap water. Boiled water is usually safer - both for drinking and brushing your teeth
Protect yourself from contact with stool during sexual activity
If you are a foodhandler, health care worker or child care worker you must remain off work until 24 hours after symptoms have stopped
This information is intended to provide general health-related information about Giardia. It is not intended to replace medical consultation by your physician and/or other health care professionals.
Source: Red Book 2006, 27th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 2008, 19th Edition, David Heymann, MD Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008. www.cdc.gov