giardia
Beaver fever culprit
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines of humans and animals, causing a diarrheal illness called giardiasis.
The parasite spreads through contaminated water, food, or surfaces, and is particularly common among hikers and campers who drink untreated stream water—hence the informal name "beaver fever." Symptoms include cramping, bloating, nausea, and watery diarrhea that can persist for weeks without treatment.
Unicellular eukaryotic life form
- flagellateTo whip or scourge
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
- cystFluid-filled tissue sac
- eukaryoteOrganism with nucleated cells
unicellular · microorganism · protist · assemblage · flagella · cytoplasm · nucleus · organelles
Frequent liquid bowel movements
- crampsInvoluntary muscle tightening
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
- malabsorptionFailed intestinal nutrient uptake
dehydration · flatulence · fatigue · fecal-oral · incubation · symptomatic · carrier · chronic
Initial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- gutDigestive tract, or instinct
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
- malabsorptionFailed intestinal nutrient uptake
enteritis · bowel · lactose intolerance · inflammation · digestive · small intestine · epithelium · mucosa
Separating solids from liquids
- boilingLiquid vaporization temperature
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
- chlorinationDisinfecting with a halogen
- handwashingCleaning palms with soap
sanitation · hygiene · water treatment · iodine · safe water
Introduction of impurities
- streamsContinuous flows of something
- lakesLarge inland water bodies
- wildernessUncultivated, uninhabited natural region
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
camping · reservoirs · springs · backcountry · hikers · travelers · well water · runoff
Antiparasitic and antibacterial medication
- rehydrationReplacing lost water
- prescriptionMedical dispensing authorization
- coursePlanned path forward
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
protozoan
Unicellular eukaryotic life form
- flagellateTo whip or scourge
- parasiteOne exploiting a host
- cystFluid-filled tissue sac
eukaryote · unicellular · microorganism · protist · assemblage · flagella · cytoplasm · nucleus · organelles · microscopic
diarrhea
Frequent liquid bowel movements
- crampsInvoluntary muscle tightening
- bloatingSwollen, expanded state
- nauseaPre-vomiting stomach discomfort
malabsorption · dehydration · flatulence · fatigue · fecal-oral · incubation · symptomatic · carrier · chronic · acute
duodenum
Initial small intestine
- jejunumSecond small intestine portion
- gutDigestive tract, or instinct
- villiIntestinal absorptive protrusions
malabsorption · enteritis · bowel · lactose intolerance · inflammation · digestive · small intestine · epithelium · mucosa
filtration
Separating solids from liquids
- boilingLiquid vaporization temperature
- purificationRemoval of contaminants
- chlorinationDisinfecting with a halogen
handwashing · sanitation · hygiene · water treatment · iodine · safe water
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- streamsContinuous flows of something
- lakesLarge inland water bodies
- wildernessUncultivated, uninhabited natural region
backpacking · camping · reservoirs · springs · backcountry · hikers · travelers · well water · runoff
metronidazole
Antiparasitic and antibacterial medication
- rehydrationReplacing lost water
- prescriptionMedical dispensing authorization
- coursePlanned path forward
- infectionsviral infection, bacterial infection, fungal infection, parasitic infection, bacteremia
- infectious diseasescholera, anthrax, malaria, measles, flu
- pet healthvet visit, checkup, checkups, vaccinations, rabies vaccination
- Contaminantspollutants, pollutant, heavy metals, toxin, pesticides
- outdoor hazardsbears, heatstroke, snakes, blisters, sunburn
- parasitestapeworm, roundworm, pinworm, hookworm, fleas
giardiabacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
virus · E. coli · salmonella · norovirus · rotavirus
giardiaprobiotics
Live microorganisms aiding digestion
gut health · lactobacillus · intestinal health · beneficial bacteria · bifidobacteria
giardiaclean water
Uncontaminated hydration source
purified water · potable water · safe drinking water · sterile water · chlorinated water