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. After it cools, put it in clean bottles or pitchers with a lid in the refrigerator. Filters can collect Giardia and other germs from the water. Portable water filters also can be used at home or by campers to remove Giardia from the water. Read the label.