Hopkins County health officials tracking reported Giardia outbreak

Health officials state Giardia is a parasite that is swallowed and goes through the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea. This can be found in water sources like lakes, pools, or streams and from unwashed hands touching food and other surfaces after using the bathroom.

Officials state the outbreak is being tracked by epidemiology nurses, the state regional epidemiologist, and the state epidemiology department, where it is being searched for commonalities. The public will be notified if it becomes available.

So far, the health department is reporting 23 cases of Giardia in the last month.

“This is unusual for Giardia in our county, so the investigation is ongoing,” says the health department.

In the meantime, officials provided some tips to help prevent Giardia including:

• Handwashing after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before handling food and after touching animals or soil.
• Avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers or streams
• Boil water for one minute to kill Giardia
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly
• Avoid animal feces
• Safe food prep
• Food service workers to not work when sick
• Keep scoops out of ice buckets and wash hands before preparing drinks

Officials are reminding everyone that not everyone needs treatment for Giardia, and for individuals to speak to their individual providers and to drink plenty of fluids with a diarrheal illness to prevent dehydration. Infants and pregnant women should seek medical care and should avoid others with Giardia, if known.