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What is
giardia?
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Giardia is a
parasite that causes giardiasis. It is one of the most frequent causes of
water-borne disease in both drinking water and recreational water in the
United States.
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Where is
giardia found? |
Giardia is
found in the fecal matter of a person or animal that is infected with the
parasite. Giardia is also found in waters that have been in contact with
human feces or raw sewage. Giardia is found worldwide and in every region of
the United States.
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What are the
symptoms giardiasis? |
The symptoms
of giardiasis include: diarrhea, flatulence, greasy stools that tend to
float, abdominal cramps, upset stomach and nausea.
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How is
giardia spread? |
Giardia can
easily be spread through contact with the stool of an infected person.
Swimming
pools are a common place for the spread of giardia. A person infected with
giardia and suffering from diarrhea can infect others in the same pool.
Giardia can stay alive for 45 minutes, even in properly chlorinated pools.
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How can I
keep from getting giardiasis? |
· Wash hands
thoroughly before handling and eating food, after using the restroom, after
changing a diaper or after touching something that could possibly be
contaminated
· Do not swim
with someone who has diarrhea
· Do not swim
when you have diarrhea or allow others to swim when they have diarrhea
· Avoid
swallowing water while in a pool or any other recreational water
· Shower before
entering recreational water
· Wash
children, especially their rears, with soap and water after they use the
restroom or after a diaper change before they enter the water
· Do not drink
untreated water or use ice made from untreated water
·
Avoid
swimming for at least one week after diarrhea has ended
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If I’ve been
exposed to giardia, how long will it take for symptoms to develop?
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The initial
symptoms of giardiasis can occur between one and two weeks after exposure. |
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What
treatments are available for giardiasis? How serious is the disease? |
Plenty of
fluids should be consumed throughout the duration of the illness to prevent
dehydration. Prescription drugs are available to treat giardiasis.
Giardiasis is usually not fatal, but can be for those with compromised
immune systems.
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How many
cases of giardiasis have been reported in Kentucky?
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Giardiasis is
not a reportable disease, so case numbers are unavailable. |
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Where can I
get more information on giardiasis? |
For more
information online, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control at
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm.
Or, for more
information, please call the Health Department at 859.363.2070.
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