Acute Communicable Disease Control

County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

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 Giardiasis
 Click for View of Giardiasis Life Cycle

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the zoonotic protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis (previously G. lamblia). Giardia cysts shed in animal or human feces may contaminate food or drinking water or be transferred on hands or fomites; recreational waters such as lakes and pools may also serve as vehicles of transmission. Incubation can range from 3–25 days or longer, but the median incubation time is 7–10 days. While usually asymptomatic, symptoms can include sulfurous burps, chronic diarrhea, frequent loose and pale greasy stools, bloating, cramps, fatigue, and weight loss. Complications are rare, but may include malabsorption of fats and fatsoluble vitamins. Children in day care represent a reservoir of disease in developed countries. There is no vaccine.

• Los Angeles County: Annual Morbidity Reports (2001-2016)
• ACDC: A Manual of Departmental Rules, Regulations and Control Procedures (B-73) 
• LAC Reporting Form: Parasitic Epidemiologic Case History Form  
  • LAC: ACDC's Epidemiologic Case History Forms Web Page
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2011-2016) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (2005-2010) 
  • LAC: Reported Cases of Selected Diseases (1999-2004) 
• ACDC: Food and Water Safety Page
• Giardiasis Outbreak Associated with a Women's Gym (2005 Special Study) 

Additional Resources

• CDC: Giardiasis
• CDPH: What is Giardiasis?