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. Right now, this subportal is accessible only to those who are our free registered users. Click on the main topics on your left, and then choose your sub-topics.