Giardia
Lamblia and Giardiasis: Protect Yourself From This Common American
Waterborne Parasite
Giardiasis is an
illness of the digestive tract. Its main symptom is diarrhea. Giardiasis
is caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite known by two names:
Giardia lamblia and Giardia intestinalis. The Giardia parasite attaches
itself to the lining of the small intestine, where it blocks the
body’s absorption of fats and carbohydrates from food.
One troubling characteristic
of the Giardia parasite is that it’s protected by an outer
shell, so when the parasite is passed through the stool, it is able
to live outside the body for a long period of time until it’s
able to infect other people. As a leading cause of diarrhea in the
United States, Giardia can survive in chlorinated water, and it
can live for up to two months in cold water.
Giardia is one
of the most common waterborne parasites in the United States. Giardia
has been blamed for illnesses from both recreational and drinking
water. Giardia exists within every region of the United States and
it is also found worldwide.
Giardiasis is quite
contagious. Just one infected human or animal can release millions
of Giardia parasites into the environment through fecal matter.
As few as 10 microscopic Giardia parasites in a glass of water can
cause a severe case of Giardiasis in the human being who drinks
it. The parasites are often found alive in soil, food, water, and
contaminated surfaces. While you can be infected by Giardia by swallowing
the parasite, Giardia is not spread through blood contact. Here
are some common ways the Giardia parasite is transmitted:
- Swallowing contaminated water
while swimming in pools, fountains, hot tubs, lakes, rivers,
ponds, streams, springs, and water parks
- Eating uncooked food that
has been contaminated with Giardia (i.e. through unsanitary
food preparation)
- Accidentally picking up Giardia
from contaminated surfaces like diapers, bathroom fixtures,
or toys
The symptoms of
giardiasis usually appear about 1 to 2 weeks after infection by
the Giardia parasite. The symptoms of giardiasis include:
- Diarrhea
- Intestinal gas
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain above the
navel
- Greasy stools
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Dehydration and weight loss
Since the Giardia
parasite is located all over the world and throughout the United
States, anyone can come down with giardiasis. People most likely
to become ill with giardiasis include child care workers, families
of infected people, travelers, and people who swim in recreational
water sources. It’s estimated that 1 to 20 percent of the
U.S. population has giardiasis.
Giardiasis is easy
to catch and yet difficult to diagnose. Anyone who feels at risk
for intestinal parasites should practice good personal hygiene and
perform a natural parasite cleanse
regularly.
|
