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Giardia

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Giardia Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal illness known as giardiasis. Giardia is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time and makes it tolerant to chlorine disinfection. (A parasite is an organism that feeds off of another to survive.) The parasite lives in the intestines and is passed in feces (poop). Once outside the body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or months. Giardia can be picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) that contain stool from an infected person or animal.
Drinking water or using ice made from water sources where Giardia may live (for example, untreated or improperly treated water from lakes, streams, or wells)
Swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Giardia may live, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams
Eating uncooked food that contains Giardia organisms
Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis
Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common
Giardia cannot be passed by coming in contact with blood.
Giardiasis is a global disease. It infects nearly 2% of adults and 6% to 8% of children in developed countries worldwide. Nearly 33% of people in developing countries have had giardiasis. In the United States, Giardia infection is the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting humans [1].
Giardia infection can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, which include:
Diarrhea, Gas or flatulence, Greasy stool that can float, Stomach or abdominal cramps, Upset stomach or nausea and dehydration.
Symptoms of giardiasis normally begin 1 to 3 weeks after becoming infected. In otherwise healthy people, symptoms of giardiasis may last 2 to 6 weeks. Occasionally, symptoms last longer. Medications can help decrease the amount of time symptoms last. ◦Wash hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds; rub your hands together to make a lather and be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. ■Before, during, and after preparing food
■Before eating food
■Before and after caring for someone who is sick
■Before and after treating a cut or wound
■After using the toilet
■After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
■After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
■After touching an animal or animal waste
■After touching garbage
Reference 1.Kappus KD, Lundgren RG, Jr., Juranek DD, Roberts JM, Spencer HC. Intestinal parasitism in the United States: update on a continuing problem. Am J Trop Med Hyg. Jun 1994;50(6):705-713. Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases (DFWED

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