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Giardia and Drinking Water
from Private Wells
Download PDF version formatted for print (121 KB/2 pages) What is giardiasis? In the past 2 decades, Giardia infection has become one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (found in both drinking and recreational water) in humans in the United States.� Giardia infections are more common in warmer climates, though they may be found worldwide and in every region of the U.S. How do I become infected with giardia? Where and how does Giardia get into drinking water? What are the symptoms of giardiasis? These symptoms generally begin 1-2 weeks after infection, and may last 2-6 weeks in healthy individuals.� Sometimes symptoms last longer, and may lead to weight loss and dehydration.� Some people will have no symptoms.� However, people with weakened immune systems (e.g., persons with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and transplant patients) or the elderly may have a more serious infection that can lead to severe illness or death. What should I do if I think I have giardiasis? How is a giardiasis infection diagnosed? What is the treatment for giardiasis? How
can I remove Giardia from my drinking water? An alternative to boiling water is using a point-of-use filter.� Not all home water filters remove Giardia.� Filters that are designed to remove the parasite should have one of the following labels:�
Although Giardia is larger than one micron in size, filters with pore sizes of absolute one micron can filter out Giardia as well as Cryptosporidium.� If you want to know more about these filters, please contact NSF International, an organization for public health and safety through standards development, product certification, education, and risk-management.� NSF International As you consider ways to disinfect your well, it is important to note that Giardia is moderately chlorine resistant.� Contact your local health department for recommended procedures. Remember to have you well water tested regularly after disinfection to make sure the problem does not happen again.� Revised Summer 2003 |
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Info CDC Home | CDC Search | CDC Health Topics A-Z This page last reviewed September 19, 2003 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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