Giardiasis

Cases of giardiasis infection in holiday hotels have increased during the past 18 months and many more holidaymakers are now claiming compensation having contracted this infection at their package holiday hotel.

If you have contracted a giardiasis infection whilst you were staying at a package holiday hotel abroad, you can make a claim for compensation when you return to the UK.

Head of Travel Law and The Holiday Illness Compensation Claims Department at Farnworth Rose, Anne Thomson, says: “I have over the past 25 years dealt with millions of pounds worth of claims for holiday illness including claims for holidaymakers who have contracted giardiasis.  If you have suffered illness as a result of this infection and wish to discuss making a claim for compensation, call me on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.”

Common causes of giardiasis infection include:

• Food which is prepared in unhygienic surroundings
• Consuming food or drink contaminated with human sewage
• Swallowing infected swimming pool water

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite  giardia lamblia. Holidaymakers become ill after ingesting water or food which is contaminated with giardia cysts. The illness is most likely to occur in places where hygiene and sanitation standards are poor.

What are common symptoms of giardiasis?

Common symptoms of giardiasis include diarrhoea, bloating, stomach cramps and increased flatulence, plus nausea and loss of appetite.

How long will symptoms of giardiasis last?

Symptoms may not begin until a week or two after contracting the disease but can last for weeks or even months. Without treatment, giardiasis can stop sufferers absorbing food which can result in severe weight loss.

Can giardiasis infection be prevented?

Holidaymakers can avoid the risk of contracting giardiasis infection by:

• Never drinking local water
• Avoiding swimming in dirty hotel swimming pools
• Only eating fruit which they can peel themselves
• Washing their hands regularly, especially after using the toilet

How is giardiasis treated?

Giardiasis can be treated with drugs that kill parasites, depending on the severity of the illness. Symptoms may go away without any treatment but the majority of sufferers will be prescribed medication to relieve their symptoms and help avoid the spread of the illness.