The 8 signs of parasite tummy bug surging in UK as cases hit record high
As Brits have been urged to take extra precautions abroad after cases of a diarrhoea causing parasite hit a decade high in the UK, here are the key signs to look out for.
TL;DR
- Giardiasis, a diarrhoea-causing parasite, has hit a decade high in the UK, with 6,069 cases reported in the last year.
- Symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating, burping, wind, weight loss, stomach pain, fatigue, and burps that smell like eggs.
- The bug is contracted by swallowing untreated water from natural sources or unverified supplies, or through contaminated food and surfaces.
- Untreated giardiasis can cause malnutrition and stunted growth in children, and serious complications in the elderly and immunocompromised.
- Prevention measures include drinking bottled water abroad, avoiding raw salads washed in tap water, and rigorous handwashing.
- Treatment usually involves antibiotics and stool sample confirmation, with symptoms typically resolving within a week but sometimes lasting months.
- Individuals with giardiasis should avoid swimming until two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped and stay home from work/school for 48 hours after symptoms pass.
- Those taking antibiotics for giardiasis should avoid alcohol as it can interfere with medication.