GIARDIASIS
What is Giardiasis?
It is an illness caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia. Also called Giardia duodenalis and Giardia intestinalis.
How do you catch it?
The commonest way is to eat food or drink water that has become contaminated with human or animal sewage in some way. This is the usual way that travellers get infected.
People who carry Giardia, and who don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet, will contaminate their hands with the germ. They can then spread it directly to other people. This is often the case with young children in nurseries, crèches or schools, and older people in institutions; infection can spread this way within families.
You can catch it while swimming, and by swallowing contaminated water.
Swimmers who are infected with Giardia can contaminate swimming and paddling pools. Unfortunately the disinfectant used in pools does not kill Giardia.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can only be confirmed by examination of a sample of your feaces (stools). This is usually at the request of your doctor.
How is further spread prevented?
Giardiasis is notifiable, which means that your doctor is legally obliged to inform the Environmental Health Department of your case. An Environmental Health Officer or Consultant in Communicable Disease Control may contact or visit you to try and identify the source of contamination and help you prevent further spread of infection.
Do I need to stay off work or school?
YES – until you have been free from any symptoms for 48 hours.
Children should not play with other children or attend school or nursery until they are fully recovered and have been symptom free for 48 hours.
If you work as a food handler, with young children or in healthcare, you must inform your employer and/or seek advice from your Environmental Health Department.
A person can still spread the infection for several weeks after the illness, so should therefore avoid swimming for 2 weeks after the first normal stool.
How can it be prevented?
Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and dry with a clean towel;
-after going to the toilet
-after changing a baby’s nappy
-after contact with pets and animals
-before preparing and eating food
Only drink water from safe sources. If not sure, boil it first. Avoid drinking untreated water eg from streams and lakes.
Travellers, especially to Asia, Africa and South America, should avoid high risk foods and drinks as far as possible eg raw vegetables, salads and fruits that cannot be peeled, drinks with ice and ice cream. Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and piping hot.
How can I prevent giving this infection to someone else?
-Frequent and proper hand washing.
-Don’t prepare or handle food for other people until you have been symptom free for 48 hours.
-If cleaning up diarrhoea or vomit, wash the surface with hot soapy water, followed by disinfectant, before rinsing and allowing to dry. Paper towels or disposable cloths should be used for cleaning.
-Clean toilet bowls and seats, flush handles, door handles and taps at least daily with a household cleaner followed by a disinfectant, before rinsing and allowing to dry. Use disposable cloths.
-Soiled clothing and bedding should be washed on a hot cycle. Articles that are heavily soiled can be soaked beforehand in a disinfectant. After loading the washing machine wipe the outer surface with a disinfectant.
-Wear rubber gloves when cleaning the toilet, cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea and loading the washing machine with soiled clothing. Keep your gloves for this use only.
-Do not share any towels or flannels, including hand towels, with other members of the family.
-Ensure young children are supervised when washing hands, or have their hands washed for them.
-Do not go swimming or take your child swimming when they have diarrhoea, or for 2 weeks after the diarrhoea has stopped, as they may contaminate the water for other users.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or a member of the food safety team in Environmental Health at North Warwickshire Borough Council
Stephen Whiles01827 719326
Jo Phipps01827 719304
Carol Randle01827 719358
Julia Rowbottom01827 719359