by Dr. Adam Seigers
Giardia or Beaver Fever is a parasite which infects the small intestines of humans and other mammals.
The infection is transmitted after contact with contaminated food, soil, or water.
It is important to mention that most cases of giardia are a result of person to person transmission and are associated with poor hygiene.
Diaper changing in children and fecal oral routes are common modes of transmission.
Diarrhea is the most common presenting symptom usually beginning two days after exposure.
Diarrhea is often accompanied by excessive gas, abdominal cramping, stomach upset and nausea.
Left untreated it results in dehydration and nutritional deficiency.
With the subsequent dehydration, constipation usually ensues between days four through seven, with the entire illness lasting between two and six weeks.
Antibiotic therapies with tinidazole or metronidazole are used for treatment.
To reduce the risk of exposure, always wash your hands when they are potentially contaminated.
When in the outdoors avoid drinking stagnant water whenever possible and purify all water used for drinking.
More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia or by talking with your primary care provider.
—
Dr. Adam Seigers is a physician with Faxton St. Luke’s Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) Boonville Medical Offices on Rt. 12.
