Streams or lakes may be contaminated by animal feces. The choice of antibiotic depends on the patient's age and other health factors. If you think you or your child have giardiasis, see a health care provider. Anyone who consumes contaminated food or water is at risk. This includes those drinking contaminated water while camping or traveling, child care workers, young children who attend child care centers, persons exposed to human feces by sexual contact, and caregivers who might come in contact with feces while caring for a person infected with giardiasis.
Children are especially susceptible because they put so many things into their mouths.
There are typically 700 to 900 cases a year. Pay attention to health advisories and boil water notices. To ensure your drinking water is safe during boil water notices, always boil, filter or use bottled water. Boiling water is the best way to ensure it is free of Giardia and other microorganisms. Bring the water to a rolling boil for three to five minutes.