Giardiasis (Giardia lamblia)
Giardiasis, sometimes called 'beaver fever', is an infection of the intestinal tract. When a person gets sick from this infection it is called giardiasis. It is caused by the parasite Giardia.
Image Content Provider: CDC/Janice Haney Carr
Symptoms
Often, there are no symptoms. When symptoms do occur they will generally appear within seven to 10 days after a person becomes infected but can occur anywhere from three to 25 days after a person becomes infected. Symptoms may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, upset stomach, fatigue, and weight loss.
Causes
Giardiasis is spread by the fecal-oral route, either directly by person-to-person contact (e.g. diaper changing, sexual practices) or indirectly by eating or drinking fecally contaminated food or water. The infection can also spread by coming in contact with the feces of an infected animal. Fecal material can get into a person’s mouth by contact with the feces of an infected person or animal that is not followed up by proper hand washing. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with AIDS or cancer, or transplant patients receiving immunosuppressive drugs are more at risk of serious illness.
Treatment
Specific antibiotics are used to treat Giardia infection.
Prevention
Illness is preventable by protecting food and water from fecal contamination as well as practicing good hand hygiene, especially before and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, touching animals and before eating or preparing food. Do not drink raw milk or raw milk products. Avoid drinking untreated surface water (eg. from lakes, rivers, springs or ponds). When travelling where the water supply may be unsafe, drink bottled water and avoid uncooked foods washed with unboiled tap water.
Manitoba Health Resources
For the Public
For Health Care Providers
Other Resources
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Giardiasis
- Enteric Protozoa: Giardia and Cryptosporidium
- BC Centre for Disease Control - Giardiasis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Giardiasis
Information for Travelers
Communicable Disease
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