What is Giardia? The stomach bug which shut down a Liverpool primary school

Get Your Free Health Check Email For Weekly Health Analysis

Sign Up For A Free Health Check Email

Two kids who went to a Liverpool elementary school struggling with a contagious stomach illness have passed away.

The duo, aged five and six, attended Millstead Primary School in Everton, Merseyside. The school shut down last month due to the Giardia outbreak.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that they have not confirmed the reasons for the deaths of the two children, but they believe it is probably not because of Giardia.

The principal shared that the school is feeling very sad about the recent deaths, and that both children brought a lot of happiness to their classmates.

But what is Giardiasis? Let's explore further with The Independent.

Giardia is a parasite that can lead to Giardiasis, a stomach infection that may result in symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence, and abdominal swelling.

If it is taken care of, the symptoms typically disappear within a week. However, in some cases, the effects may persist for an extended period of time, as stated by the National Health Service.

The parasites can be found in rivers and lakes, as well as in communal water sources like public water systems, pools, hot tubs, and wells.

How Does It Spread?

Giardiasis is often transmitted through close contact with individuals or animals who are infected, or by ingesting polluted water, food, or beverages, as stated by the National Health Service.

You can get infected by drinking dirty water, eating spoiled food, touching dirty things, or having sex with someone who has the parasite.

Symptoms And Treatment Options For Flu

The primary signs of giardiasis include foul-smelling diarrhea, stomach discomfort or cramps, flatulence, odorous belching, bloating, and unexplained weight loss, as stated by the National Health Service.

Most of the time, it is managed with a series of antibiotics and typically resolves within a week.