Giardiasis in South Dakota

• Diarrhea (often watery, foul-smelling, and persistent)
• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Excessive gas (flatulence)
• Nausea and occasional vomiting
• Fatigue and malaise
• Weight loss and malabsorption (in chronic cases)

Giardiasis primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning the ingestion of **Giardia** cysts found in the feces of an infected person or animal. This commonly occurs by drinking contaminated water (the most frequent route), eating contaminated food, or through direct person-to-person contact, particularly in settings with poor hygiene or communal living.

• Practice excellent hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Drink only treated, filtered, or boiled water, especially when traveling or camping in areas with questionable water sources.
• Avoid consuming untreated water from lakes, streams, ponds, or public swimming areas.
• Wash or peel raw fruits and vegetables before eating.
• Avoid swimming if you have diarrhea and avoid swallowing water while swimming.