EEIP RIDRM Giardiasis
Giardiasis is an illness primarily of the upper small intestine, caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. Symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps, bloating and fatigue are common. Asymptomatic infections can also occur. Giardia generally infect humans through ingestion of unfiltered water. Chlorine that is used in routing water treatment does not kill Giardia, especially when the water is cold. Giardia is found worldwide.
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 2
The director of any clinical laboratory must report laboratory evidence of Giardia spp to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility:
Using the “General Enteric Diseases Interview Form” (GEDIF) specific to Cryptosporidium, interview case and identify individuals in high-risk occupations or settings. Completed GEDIF forms should be entered directly into CTEDSS or faxed to the DPH at 860-509-7910.
Provide information and educational materials describing the nature of the disease and preventive measures. The importance of frequent and thorough hand washing should be stressed for all cases and contacts. Encourage a physician visit if symptoms persist.
DPH Responsibility:
DPH is available to the LHD for assistance, consultation and guidance, and to ensure that appropriate investigative and control actions are being taken.
Control Measures
Food Handler: Refer to DPH Food Protection Program at 860-509-7297.
Health Care Worker with Direct Patient Contact: Individuals with laboratory-confirmed infection should be excluded from direct care of patients until they are asymptomatic. Proper hand hygiene should be stressed.
Day Care Setting: Children and staff with diarrhea should be excluded from day care until they are asymptomatic. Identify and culture other day care attendees and staff with diarrhea. Exclusion of asymptomatic carriers is not recommended; treatment of such carriers has not been demonstrated to be effective in outbreak control. Improved sanitation and personal hygiene should be emphasized in day care settings. Proper hand hygiene by staff and children should be stressed, especially before handling food or eating, and after using the toilet or handling soiled diapers.
Household Contacts: Household contacts with diarrhea should be excluded from food handling and the care of children and/or patients until they are asymptomatic. Exclusion of asymptomatic individuals is indicated only for those with questionable hygienic habits. Proper hand washing should be stressed.
This page last updated 9/17/2019.