CDMC

Giardiasis, often called "beaver fever", is a stomach infection that you can get from drinking contaminated water, or from close personal contact with someone else who has it. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea (feeling sick) and/or throwing up, weight loss, and feeling tired. These symptoms can last from one to three weeks.

This disease, is found all over the world. It is most common in the rural and wilderness areas of Western Canada, where there is lots of local wildlife. It is spread mostly through water that has been contaminated by droppings from infected animals, including beavers and muskrats.
Giardia can also be found in the waste (bowel movements) of people and some domestic animals, both farm and household pets. It is commonly spread by hand-to-mouth transfer of the parasite. As a result, a person can spread it to others while preparing food. A person who is infected may not know they are passing the infection on to others because they may not have any symptoms.
Giardiasis is one of several water-borne diseases which can be contracted in British Columbia. Surface waters, such as lakes, streams, springs and ponds can all carry this parasite as well as other infectious diseases such as Hepatitis A, Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Untreated water may carry disease-causing parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Even backpackers in the "pristine" wilderness areas of B.C. are at risk. It is always best to assume that surface water contains some animal droppings and treat it accordingly.
Wash your hands well after going to the toilet or changing diapers, and after touching farm animals, pets, or wild animals. This is especially important before eating or preparing food.
The following water treatment procedures should be used by anyone (e.g. campers, hikers) using water from surface sources. People in any community that has a "boil water" advisory issued by the local medical health officer should also use these procedures.

The simplest treatment method is boiling: just bring the water to a boil for one minute and then allow it to cool. At elevations over 2,500 meters (6,500 feet) you should boil water for at least two minutes to disinfect. (Note: this is not effective in purifying water that is obviously heavily polluted or chemically contaminated). This boiled water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing dentures, or contact lenses, making ice cubes, washing uncooked fruit and vegetables, and in recipes which require water. Dishes, glasses and cutlery should be rinsed with water which has been boiled. (See also Health File #49b How to Disinfect Drinking Water)
Water can also be disinfected with household bleach (preferably unscented). Add nine drops of bleach for every imperial gallon of untreated water (two drops of bleach per litre). The treated water should be stirred and allowed to stand for at least 30 minutes prior to use.
NOTE: Beaver fever and Cryptosporidium parasites are both resistant to bleach. Water that was badly contaminated with these parasites to begin with may still make you sick after bleach is added. If you think beaver fever or Cryptosporidium are in your water, boiling is the best way to ensure safe drinking water.

See your family doctor for advice and treatment. Make sure that your family, friends, and others who have been in close personal contact with you are notified and advised to see their doctor if they become seriously ill. Remember, you can carry this disease and not have any symptoms. Make sure you follow the treatment your doctor tells you.

For additional information, please contact
your local Public Health Office or
your family doctor.

Giardiasis