Giardiasis (Giardia)
What is Giardia? What are the symptoms? Giardia is a parasite that causes a Symptoms of giardiasis usually include: diarrheal illness called giardiasis. Giardia ▪ Diarrhea is the most frequently identified parasitic ▪ Greasy stools that can float infection in Minnesota and is a common ▪ Gas and bloating cause of waterborne illness. ▪ Stomach cramps ▪ Loss of appetite How is it spread? ▪ Weight loss ▪ Slight fever Giardia is passed in the stool of an infected person or animal. The parasite is Some people have no symptoms. protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long Symptoms generally begin 1 to 3 weeks periods of time. Giardia may be found in after exposure. soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. How long does it last? Symptoms typically last about 2 to 6 Giardia can be transmitted by: weeks in healthy persons. Giardiasis can ▪ Swallowing contaminated water be treated with a number of prescription while swimming or drinking. drugs including metronidazole, ▪ Having contact with people who are nitazoxanide, and tinidazole. Some sick with giardiasis, especially in child infections are self-limited, and treatment care settings. is not required. Diarrhea should be ▪ Swallowing Giardia organisms picked managed by drinking plenty of fluids to up from contaminated surfaces, like prevent dehydration. changing tables, door handles, and toys. If you or your child test positive for ▪ Eating foods contaminated with the Giardia and have no symptoms, parasite. treatment is generally not recommended. ▪ Exposure to fecal material during sexual activity.
GIARDIASIS (GIARDIA)
What can I do to minimize ▪ Do not attend or work in child care settings or preschool until 24 hours my risk of getting it? after diarrhea stops. You can reduce your risk of getting ▪ Wait to have sex until symptoms have giardiasis by following these stopped. recommendations:
▪ Wash your hands often and with soap To report a suspected waterborne or and water, especially after using the foodborne illness, call the Minnesota bathroom and changing diapers, and Department of Health at 1-877-366-3455 before handing or eating any food. (or 651-201-5655 from the Twin Cities) or ▪ Do not swallow water while email [email protected]. swimming. ▪ Do not drink untreated water from lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Waterborne Diseases Unit ▪ Use caution when traveling in Minnesota Department of Health PO Box 64975 countries with minimal water St. Paul, MN 55164 treatment and sanitation systems by 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 avoiding tap water, fountain drinks, www.health.state.mn.us ice, and raw foods. ▪ Reduce fecal-oral exposure during sexual activity and avoid sexual 5/2018 activity with those who have diarrhea To obtain this information in a different format, or who recently recovered from call: 651-201-5414. Printed on recycled paper. giardiasis.
What should I do if I have symptoms? Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your health. They may ask you to submit a stool (poop) specimen to diagnosis the illness.
People who have symptoms of giardiasis can reduce their risk of spreading their illness to others by following these recommendations: ▪ Wash your hands carefully and frequently with soap and water. ▪ Stay out of pools, splash pads, and lakes while sick. ▪ Do not bathe with others while sick.
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