Cryptosporidium and Giardia

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Cryptosporidium Oocyst

Cryptosporidium is a parasitic disease-causing microorganism that can be found in the intestines of infected animals and people.

Giardia is a parasite that can be contracted by drinking water from lakes or streams where water-dwelling animals such as beavers and muskrats, or where domestic animals such as cattle or sheep, have caused contamination. Both organisms can be spread by person-to-person contact.

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Giardia duodenalis

Symptoms

  • Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, dehydration, headaches, and fever.
  • Not everyone who gets infected gets sick.
  • The body can usually rid itself of the parasite in one to two months.