Advice on How to Protect Your Family During a Giardia Outbreak

Giardia can be a scary word when you first hear it. Isn’t that the parasite that comes from dogs? How is it involved in a foodborne illness outbreak? Images of bugs and worms are likely going through your head. Then, there is a deep fear – if I get Giardia, what if I get my family sick? What do I do if my family member gets Giardia? It is terrifying! But it does not have to be. As part of the animal care industry, I know first-hand about Giardia and how you can protect your family. It is more common than you think. Although it is not as common with humans, it does not have to be scary. Here what you can do to Protect Your Family During a Giardia Outbreak:

What is Giardia?

Giardiasis, commonly shortened to Giardia, is a condition caused by an intestinal parasite (Giardia intestinalis) that causes intestinal distress.

What are the Symptoms of Giardia?

According to the MayoClinic, symptoms often include: diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. Other symptoms include: weightloss, flatulence, fatigue, and nausea.

How is it Spread?

This parasite is most commonly spread through contaminated water or food.

I Think I May Have Giardia

It is recommended that, if you think you have Giardia or have the symptoms of Giardia, to seek medical attention. Your doctor can order lab testing to find out if you have the parasite. Then, you can get the antibiotics you need to kick that parasite!

Protect Your Family During a Giardia Outbreak

If someone in your house has been diagnosed with Giardia, how do you protect the rest of your household? It is easier than you think!

Wash Your Hands: The #1 best method to prevent the spread of disease is to thoroughly wash your hands after physical contact with the individual who is sick, after using the restroom, before handling food or drinks (including water), and before doing anything that involves your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Disinfect All Surfaces:

• Remove any organic material from the surface (ie, any liquids or solids that may be on the surface)
• Spray the surface with a properly diluted disinfectant. Most common is a bleach solution of 1:32 (or ¾ cup of bleach to a gallon of water). Allergic to bleach? No problem! You can also use a hospital grade cleaner or veterinary grade cleaner. Many can be found on Amazon. Make sure to read the label for proper dilution rates or buy the RTU (ready to use) version
• Let the disinfectant sit a minimum of 10 minutes before wiping off;

Dispose of Your Toothbrush: Replace toothbrushes and mouthwashes (if used directly from the bottle).

Watch Your Kitchen: Make sure to properly rinse all food contact surface prior to any food preparation;

Sanitize Those Dishes: Make sure all dishes are being run on the sanitation, or hottest, setting of your dishwasher. If you are doing dishes by hand, you can wash them with antibacterial soap, rinse them, rinse them in the 1:32 bleach solution, then do a final rinse. NEVER mix the bleach straight into your soapy water or any other cleaning/rinsing solution.

With these simple steps, you can protect your family during a Giardia outbreak.

 

By: Nicole Tiffin

Nicole is an animal advocate and the owner/operator of Paws & Friends Pet Salon & Resort. She is a Heroes for Health Pets Certified Pet Professional in Infectious Disease Management and has over 25 years of experience in working with dogs and cats – and sadly, Giardia.