Beaver Fever Medical Term: Giardiasis by Sairra H Medical Term: Giardiasis by Sairra H

Beaver Fever  Not to be confused with the 1970’s “Dance Fever” Craze

What is Beaver Fever?  Beaver Fever is an illness in the intestine that infects nearly 20% of the people in the world.  In the US 7% of all feces tested has signs of the infection that causes “Beaver Fever”  According to these facts the illness is believed to be more wide spread than reported.

Beaver Fever Facts Beaver Fever Facts  2/3 of people do not have any symptoms  Symptoms occur 2-3 weeks after infection  First symptom is explosive and watery Diarrhea that last up to over a week!  In chronic cases it may persist for months!  It makes it hard for the body to absorb fats in the intestine

What causes this sickness?  Food or water contaminated by an itty-bitty cell named: Giardia lamblia

A closer look at Giardia lamblia  Type of Cell: Flagellated Protozoan Parasite- Single cell microbes with whip tails.  Asexual Reproductive: Divides within itself to increase number of cells.  Anaerobic: Does not require oxygen  It can change its form so it is both cystic and parasitic.  Research has shown that an infected host of this organism will have increased Copper levels, but decreased Iron and Zinc

Life Cycle of the Beaver Fever Illness

Prevention Tip #1 Boil water for 3 minutes. Tip #2 Clean up after your pets!