How many people get giardiasis

How long will symptoms last? Who is most at risk of getting giardiasis? How is giardiasis diagnosed? What is the treatment for giardiasis? My child does not have diarrhea but was recently diagnosed with giardiasis. My healthcare provider says treatment is not necessary. Is this correct? Can I get giardiasis from my private well?

What can I do to prevent and control giardiasis? Can I get giardiasis from my pet? Top of Page. Healthy Water Sites. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

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Cancel Continue. Common symptoms include:. You may have to submit one or more stool samples for testing. A technician will check your stool sample for giardia parasites. You could have to submit more samples during treatment. Your doctor may also perform an enteroscopy. This procedure involves running a flexible tube down your throat and into your small intestine.

This will allow your doctor to examine your digestive tract and take a tissue sample. In most cases, giardiasis eventually clears up on its own. Your doctor might prescribe medication if your infection is severe or prolonged. Most doctors will recommend treatment with antiparasitic drugs, rather than leaving it to clear up on its own.

Certain antibiotics are commonly used to treat giardiasis:. Giardiasis can lead to complications such as weight loss and dehydration from diarrhea. The infection can also cause lactose intolerance in some people.

Children under 5 years old who have giardiasis are at risk for malnutrition , which can interfere with their physical and mental development. Ponds, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water can all be sources of giardia.

Bring bottled water with you when you go hiking or camping. You should also avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Keep in mind that tap water can also be present in ice and other beverages. Avoid eating uncooked local produce.