More rain during the summer months, heavy travel, recreational use of water and the return to school and work all could play a role, Rose says. What To Do Unlike E. coli or salmonella infections, giardiasis is rarely life threatening, but it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Symptoms usually kick in a week or two after infection and can come and go for weeks or months thereafter. Several prescription drugs are available to treat giardiasis, which requires a stool sample for accurate diagnosis. Good hygiene and common sense can go a long way to prevent Giardia .
Swimming also carries a risk.
Visit the CDC online for more information about giardiasis and E. coli . Also, check Safe Tables Our Priority , which works to inform consumers about the threat of emerging micro-organisms in the food supply.