Giardia Lamblia
What is Giardia ?
Giardia is a microscopic creature, which is often found in contaminated water sources. It is highly infectious and can also be passed from person to person.
Giardia Lambia is a protozoan (germ) flagellate that can be detected in faecal samples by the presence of Giardia cysts.
It is common for the cysts to be present but with no ill effects this is asymptomatic.
Giardia is common in USA, Mexico, Africa and India where water treatment has not been filtered to remove Giardia cysts. Chlorine does not kill Giardia cysts.
What are the symptoms ?
Most people have diarrhoea (the runs) which lasts a few days. Some have symptoms which start slowly and then get gradually more severe. These symptoms may include flatulence (wind), diarrhoea which lasts a long time resulting in loss of appetite and weight loss. Other problems may include foul smelling stools, nausea, tiredness, constipation, fever and stomach cramps.
How is it caught ?
The disease can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals and humans, or by consumption of water, food or beverages contaminated by the faeces of infected humans or animals.
Many cases are associated with recent foreign travel. It may be caught from contaminated drinking water while abroad, but this is unlikely to happen in this country.
It can also be passed on via contaminated or unwashed hands, kitchen worktops or contaminated food or drink. It is also possible to pick up from dirty rivers, ditches or ponds.
Incubation period
3 – 25 Days
Symptoms
Chronic diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss.
Mode of transmission
Person to person, contaminated water and food, lakes and rivers and other water
sources contaminated with human or animal faeces including some swimming pools.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Kennet District Council Environmental Health Tel : 01380 724911
Wiltshire Health Protection Agency Tel : 01380 732599
Your GP