A primary school has been forced to shut its doors after a bug outbreak that has plagued the institution for weeks. Millstead Primary School in Everton is grappling with an outbreak of Giardia, also known as Giardiasis.
The same school is currently dealing with the double tragedy of losing two of its younger pupils, believed to be aged five and six. Health chiefs have emphasised that the deaths may not be related and are “unlikely to be due to Giardia”.
According to NHS guidelines, Giardiasis is a stomach bug that triggers symptoms like diarrhoea, flatulence and bloating. It typically clears up within a week if treated, but can sometimes persist for much longer.
Giardiasis spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or animals, or by ingesting contaminated water, food or drinks. There are numerous ways to contract it, such as:.
- Drinking water contaminated by the faeces of infected people or animals.
- Eating food washed in contaminated water or handled by someone with giardiasis.
- Ingesting water while swimming in places like lakes, rivers or swimming pools.
- Touching surfaces that have been touched by an infected person.
- Engaging in sexual activity with someone infected with giardiasis, particularly unprotected anal and oral sex.
The primary symptoms of giardiasis include:
- Foul-smelling diarrhoea.
- Abdominal pain or cramps.
- Flatulence.
- Foul-smelling burps they may smell like eggs.
- Bloating.
- Weight loss.
You can carry and spread giardiasis without showing any symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing diarrhoea for more than a week, or if there’s blood in your stool or coming from your rectum, it’s crucial to seek urgent medical attention by booking an appointment with your GP or calling NHS 111.
Treatment for giardiasis
Your GP may request a sample of your faeces to test for giardiasis. The condition is typically treated with antibiotics. While symptoms usually subside within a week, they can sometimes persist for longer.
In some cases, those living with you may also need to be tested and treated. If your symptoms persist a week after starting treatment, return to your GP. They may prescribe additional antibiotics or refer you to a specialist.
How to prevent the spread of giardiasis
If you have giardiasis, there are steps you can take to prevent spreading it:
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Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
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Separate potentially contaminated clothing and bedding from other laundry and wash on a hot cycle.
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Regularly clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces, and door handles.
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Avoid preparing food for others, if possible.
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Don’t share towels, washcloths, flannels, cutlery, or utensils.
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Refrain from using a swimming pool until two weeks after your symptoms have ceased.
