Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Giardiasis
Reportable to local or state health department
Consult the health department before posting/distributing Parent/Guardian fact sheet.
Cause
Giardia intestinalis (lamblia), a parasite.
Symptoms
Gas, stomach cramps and bloating, nausea, diarrhea (possibly ongoing or recurring), loss of appetite, and weight loss. Children who are infected often show no symptoms. Illness usually lasts between 2 to 6 weeks.
Spread
Giardia parasites leave the body through the feces of an infected person and enter another person when hands, food, or objects (such as toys) contaminated with feces are placed in the mouth. Spread can occur when people do not wash their hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Spread can occur whether or not a person feels sick.
Incubation
It takes 1 to 3 weeks, usually 7 to 10 days, from the time a person is exposed until symptoms develop.
Contagious Period
As long as Giardia parasites are present in the feces a person can pass the parasite on to other people. Giardia can be present in feces for several weeks or months after symptoms have stopped.
Exclusion
Child Care: Persons with diarrhea should be excluded from child care and school until they are free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours. Children who have Giardia in their feces but who have no symptoms do not need to be excluded.
School: Until the child has been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours. Further exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks.
No one with Giardia should use swimming beaches, pools, water parks, spas, or hot tubs for 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Symptomatic staff with Giardia should be restricted from working in food service.
Diagnosis
Recommend parents/guardians call their healthcare provider if their child has symptoms of giardiasis. There is a lab test to detect Giardia in the feces.
Treatment
Treatment is available. Vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which may be a medical emergency. Ask a healthcare provider how to prevent dehydration.
Child Care: All symptomatic children, family members, and child care workers infected with Giardia intestinalis should be treated. Treatment of asymptomatic carriers is not recommended.
Prevention/Control
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after using the toilet and changing diapers and before preparing or eating food. Staff should closely monitor or assist all children, as appropriate, with handwashing after children have used the bathroom or been diapered.
- Restrict students from sharing any communal food items that are brought from home. In the classroom, children should not serve themselves food items that are not individually wrapped. The teacher should hand out these items after washing his/her hands. (This is not intended to discourage family-style serving in the absence of an outbreak.)
- DO NOT allow children to swallow water when swimming in lakes or swimming pools, using hot tubs, or playing in fountains.
- Clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use and bathroom toilets, sinks, and toys at least daily and when soiled.
- Clean and disinfect mouthed objects or surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Giardiasis Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Giardiasis
Giardiasis is an infection of the intestines caused by a parasite.
If you think your child has Giardiasis:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care:
Yes, for 24 hours after treatment has been started and until the child has been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours.- School:
Yes, until the child has been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
Anyone with giardiasis should not use swimming beaches, pools, water parks, spas, or hot tubs for 2 weeks after diarrhea has stopped.
Symptoms
Your child may have gas, stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea. They may not be hungry and may lose weight. Illness usually lasts between 2 to 6 weeks.
If your child is infected, it may take 1 to 3 weeks (usually 7 to 10 days) for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages.
- By touching contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
Contagious Period
The illness can spread as long as Giardia parasites are in the feces. This could be for several weeks or months.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms. There is a medical test to detect the parasite. Treatment is available.
- Ask how to prevent dehydration. Your child may become dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea.
Prevention
- Wash hands after using the toilet and changing diapers and before preparing food or eating. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect any objects that come in contact with feces. This includes toilets (potty chairs), sinks, toys, and diaper changing areas. Use a product that kills parasites.
- DO NOT swallow water when swimming in lakes, swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, or fountains. Spread can occur through contaminated water.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.