Communicable disease control leaflet issued by the Swedish Society for Communicable Disease Prevention and Control
You have been infected by a parasite called Giardia, which can cause diarrhoea, nausea, flatulence and a swollen abdomen. It is also possible to be infected without noticing it at all. The infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Giardia infects via food or drink containing the infectious agent or through close contact with an infected person.
The infectious agent is in the intestine and comes out with the faeces, so it is important that you take special care with your hand hygiene.
If you handle unpackaged foods in your work, it is particularly important that you take special care with your hand hygiene. Under the Swedish Food Act (Livsmedelslagen), you are obliged to tell your supervisor about your infection.
Do the following to prevent infection in others:
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Wash your hands thoroughly before meals and after using the toilet. Use your own soap, or liquid soap.
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Use your own towel or a disposable towel. Keep the toilet seat, flushing knob, washbasin and taps very clean.
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If the carrier is a child in nappies, wash your hands carefully after changing each nappy. Keep the changing table very clean.
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Used nappies are to be put into plastic bags and thrown out with the household rubbish.
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You should not take a bath; use the shower instead.
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You should not visit a swimming pool until your symptoms are completely gone.
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Children with diarrhoea are not to go to preschool.