Giardiasis. Information for you. Follow us on Find us on Facebook at Visit our website:

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1 Giardiasis Information for you Follow us on Find us on Facebook at Visit our website: All our publications are available in other formats

2 What is Giardiasis? Giardiasis is an illness which is caused by a very small parasite / cyst called giardia. You can develop this illness anywhere in the world but there are more cases of it where there is lack of basic sanitation. In some people the illness may last for several weeks with a slow recovery. What are the symptoms of Giardiasis? Symptoms of Giardiasis include: diarrhoea which is often foul smelling; stomach cramps or ache; flatulence (wind); bloating; nausea (feeling sick); loss of appetite; and feeling tired and generally unwell. The time between swallowing the organism and developing symptoms is usually between seven and ten days, however it can range from three to 25 days. 2

3 Who can it affect? Anyone. However, the illness can be more severe and last longer in people with low immune systems. In the UK this infection most commonly happens in children aged under five years-old and young adults. How is it spread? Giardiasis can be spread from person-to-person. This can happen by direct contact or by handling contaminated food. By drinking untreated water which contains the parasite. This is more likely to happen abroad, and giardia is one of the causes of traveller s diarrhoea. From contact with pets and animals that are infected, usually through poor hand washing. How is it diagnosed? It is normally diagnosed following examination of a stool (faecal) sample by the laboratory. What is the treatment? While symptoms continue, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to replace those lost through diarrhoea. In severe cases or those lasting a long time the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. 3

4 How can spread be prevented? Always wash and dry your hands: after using the toilet or changing a baby s nappy; before handling, preparing or eating food; and after contact with pets and animals at home, the countryside, farms or farm parks. You should supervise and help children where necessary. Keep pets away from food, dishes and worktops. When travelling abroad only drink bottled water or water from safe sources. Make sure ice is made from water from a safe source. Never drink untreated water for example, from streams, ponds and springs. 4

5 Environmental Health An Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will contact you to assess possible sources of your infection. When can I go back to work/ school/ nursery? Most people can return to work or school once they have had no symptoms for 48 hours. Children who attend nursery will not be able to return to nursery until advised by the Public Health department. Further information For more information on Giardiasis infection contact: Health Protection Nurse Specialist Department of Public Health NHS Ayrshire & Arran Telephone: hpteam@aapct.scot.nhs.uk 5

6 Prepared in conjunction with the Environmental Health Departments of East Ayrshire Council, North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council. 6

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8 All of our publications are available in different languages, larger print, braille (English only), audio tape or another format of your choice. Tha gach sgrìobhainn againn rim faotainn ann an diofar chànanan, clò nas motha, Braille (Beurla a-mhàin), teip claistinn no riochd eile a tha sibh airson a thaghadh Tell us what you think... If you would like to comment on any issues raised by this document, please complete this form and return it to: Communications Department, 28 Lister Street, University Hospital Crosshouse, Crosshouse KA2 0BB. You can also us at: comms@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk. If you provide your contact details, we will acknowledge your comments and pass them to the appropriate departments for a response. Name Address Comment Compiled by: Public Health Department Review date: July 2015 Leaflet reference: PHD GD