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Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a diarrhoeal illness caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia. It
is a one-celled, microscopic parasite that lives in the intestine of people and
animals. Person to person transmission occurs by hand to mouth transfer of cysts
from the faeces of an infected individual, especially in institutions and day
care centres. Period of communicability, entire period of infection.Reservoir
Mostly manIncubation period
1-2 weeks after being infectedSigns and Symptoms
- Diarrhoea (loose or water stool)
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Some people have no symptoms.
Diagnosis
Identification of cysts/trophozoites in faeces - repeat 3 stools specimens
before considering result negative since it can be difficult to diagnose.Treatment
Metronidazole (Flagyl) is the treatment of choice (prescribed by medical
doctor).Control and Prevention
- Educate families, inmates of institutions, especially adult personnel of day
centres in personal hygiene, and the need for hand washing before eating and
after toilet use.
- Filter public water supplies that are exposed to human or animal faecal
contamination
- Protect public water supplies against contamination with human and animal
faeces.
- Boil emergency water supplies.
- Microscopic examination of faeces of household members and susceptible
contacts, especially those that are symptomatic, is required.
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