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GIARDIA - a patient's guide
Editorial Team
Overview
Giardia is caused by a parasite
You mainly get it from drinking water contaminated with
the parasite
It is the most common waterborne disease in developed
countries
The illness causes diarrhoea, stomach pains, and possibly
nausea and weight loss
Children in day care centres and people who drink untreated
water are most at risk
Diagnosis involves examining feces collected over several
days
Drug treatment is used to rid the body of the parasite
People can still be infectious for some weeks after they
recover
What is it?
It is caused by a parasite called Giardia lamblia which
lives in people's stomachs, causing diarrhoea and stomach
pains.
Giardia is mainly caused by drinking contaminated water,
or food that has been washed in contaminated water. It is
now recognised as one of the of the most common waterborne
diseases in the developed world.
Epidemics of the illness have been reported in areas with
contaminated drinking water, with the Sydney outbreak the
most dramatic in recent times.
Outbreaks are more common in institutional settings like
day care centres. Travellers and campers who drink untreated
water are also more at risk.
The parasite is spread from infected feces of humans or
animals contaminating food or water. The infection can be
picked up by drinking contaminated water supplies, and touching
objects like toys and bathroom doors that may been in contact
with the parasite, and then touching your mouth.
Sexual transmission is also possible.
What are the symptoms?
Diarrhoea, stomach pains and feeling nauseous are the
main signs of Giardia, although some people may not notice
anything wrong.
The infection can lead to weight loss and dehydration.
The symptoms usually begin within two weeks of eating
or drinking contaminated food or water. But some people
have it for nearly four weeks before showing signs of infection.
Diagnosis involves laboratory testing of stools that have
been collected over several days.
What can be done to help?
Antibiotic treatment (e.g. metronidazole, or similar antibiotics)
is used to rid the body of the parasite, but treatment failure
is common.
Symptoms last up to six weeks in most cases, but some
people can take longer to recover. People may be infectious
for several weeks after they have recovered.
In people without diarrhoea and other symptoms, treatment
may not be necessary.
How can it be prevented?
Avoid drinking water that has not been properly treated.
Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before
handling food.
Dispose of sewage waste carefully.
Do not drink unboiled water while camping or travelling.
Do not eat uncooked foods that may have been washed in contaminated
water.
Sex partners may also need to be examined for any sign
of the infection.
Young children with Giardia need to be kept home from
day care centres until they have recovered.
Getting help
Your doctor will be able to help diagnose and treat the
condition.
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