Giardiasis is a parasitic infection caused by Giardia lamblia. This protozoan is common throughout the world and is one of the earliest sources of infection in children. Giardiasis is transmitted to humans through a fecal-oral route or by contaminated water, and it causes a diarrheal illness. It has a low infective dose and more than 25 cysts are certain to cause infection.
Instructions
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cooking, drinking or eating. This is the single most effective way to prevent giardiasis from spreading. Avoid tap water during a community-wide outbreak. Dispose of sewage so that surface or groundwater is not contaminated.
2. Drink only treated water while hiking or traveling. Even ice should be treated before freezing. Boil water for one minute, or filter or purify it with a halogenating compound such as chlorine. Avoid raw or unpeeled fruit and even locally grown vegetables if you suspect they have been washed in contaminated water.
3. Practice strict personal hygiene when changing diapers, especially in a daycare center. Hands should still be washed even if gloves are worn. Keep children with diarrhea home from daycare.
4. Stay out of swimming pools if you already have giardiasis. Giardia is passed in the stool for several weeks after the symptoms abate and Giardia has a high tolerance for chlorine. Avoid swallowing water while swimming, especially in open water.
5. Prevent the sexual transmission of giardiasis by avoiding oral-anal and oral-genital contact.
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