Chicago Personal Injury Attorney for Cases of Giardiasis

Lawyer Helps Victims of Water and Food Poisoning Secure Compensation in Illinois

Giardiasis is an illness that includes symptoms of diarrhea. It is caused by a microscopic parasite known as the Giardia lamblia or the Giardia duodenalis. Once the parasite has infected the host, it lives in the intestine and is passed by feces to other victims. The parasite actually has an outer shell so that it can survive outside the body for months. Doctors are recognizing Giardia infections as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans in the United States. It is also a disease that impacts people throughout the world.

How does one contract the Giardia parasite?

The Giardia parasite thrives in the intestine of the infected host animal. It can live inside humans, dogs, cats, cattle, deer and even beavers. Oftentimes humans are infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. The following are common methods of transmission:

• Traveling outside of the United States where Giardiasis is more common and being exposed to uncooked food and untreated water.
• Having contact with someone who is ill with Giardiasis.
• Eating food that has not been cooked properly and that contains the parasite.
• Swallowing water contaminated with the feces or sewage of humans or animals containing Giardia.
• Using ice or drinking water from contaminated sources or poorly maintained wells. It is also commonly transferred in the swallowing of water that has been in contact with contaminated bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, and infected persons or animals.

What are the Symptoms of Giardiasis?

The symptoms of Giardiasis usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after becoming infected. They usually include:

• Diarrhea, gas, or flatulence;
• Greasy stools that tend to float;
• Extreme cramping, stomach pain, and nausea; and
• Dehydration.

Generally, the symptoms can last quite a long time - usually between 2 and 6 weeks. In some people, the symptoms might last even longer. 

The people most susceptible to infection include a wide array of the population:

• Children that are in childcare settings.
• Caregivers of infected people.
• Those drinking water from contaminated sources.
• Backpackers, hikers, and campers that drink untreated water.
• People that swallow water while swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. There have also been several community-wide outbreaks that have been linked to public swimming pools contaminated with the parasite.
• International travelers.
• People exposed to human feces through sexual contact.

If you believe you have been infected with Giardia, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It is difficult to diagnose Giardia although usually, a stool sample will show the parasite if the proper test is given. A doctor can prescribe prescription drugs that may be helpful. The best way to prevent a Giardia infection is to wash hands before eating or preparing food. If you think drinking water might be contaminated, it should be heated to a rolling boil for over 3 minutes to kill any parasites or micro-organisms.

Illinois Giardiasis Injury Lawyer

The personal injury attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP are highly experienced in representing those who have been poisoned by water and food toxins and have suffered physical and financial injuries. Call us at 312-981-0409 for a free phone consultation about your case. We have five convenient offices including Chicago, Arlington Heights, Itasca and Libertyville and we serve clients throughout Illinois, and the U.S.