Beaver fever cause: what to know

Giardia can live in untreated water, including water from streams, lakes, or wells, and can spread when hygiene or sanitation is poor. A person may also pick it up from contaminated food, shared surfaces, or close contact with someone who has the infection. The parasite reaches the small intestine, where it can interfere with digestion and fluid absorption.

Fever is not always the main feature of giardiasis. Loose or greasy stools, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, tiredness, and weight loss can occur. These symptoms can overlap with other bowel infections, so the exposure history matters.

Drink safe fluids and wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food. Avoid swallowing water while swimming, and do not use untreated water for drinking or brushing teeth. If diarrhoea continues, a clinician may request stool samples and prescribe treatment when Giardia is confirmed or strongly suspected.

Do not prepare food for other people while you have diarrhoea. Clean bathroom touch points and wash clothing or bedding soiled with stool according to care-label instructions.

Arrange medical advice for persistent diarrhoea, repeated vomiting, dehydration symptoms, or illness after drinking untreated water. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, inability to keep fluids down, or very little urine. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system can become dehydrated more quickly.

Ask whether your symptoms fit giardiasis, whether stool testing is needed, how to replace lost fluids, and when it is safe to return to work, school, swimming, or food preparation.