Beaver fever

Beaver fever is the common name for giardiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia (specifically, Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis)^[1][2][3]. The nickname "beaver fever" comes from the association of the parasite with beavers, which can contaminate natural water sources, but many other wild and domestic animals, as well as humans, can also carry and spread Giardia^[2][1].

Transmission and Causes:

• The primary way people get giardiasis is by swallowing contaminated water, especially untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams, or springs^[1][4][5].
• Infection can also occur through contaminated food, contact with infected feces (from humans or animals), or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth^[4][2][5].
• The parasite is passed in the feces of infected individuals or animals, contaminating the environment and water sources^[1][4].

Symptoms:

• Symptoms usually appear 3 to 25 days after exposure (typically 7–14 days)^[1][6].
• Common symptoms include:
• Watery or greasy diarrhea (often foul-smelling and may float)
• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Gas and belching
• Dehydration
• Mild fever (in some cases)^[1][6][3][5]
• Some people may have no symptoms but can still spread the parasite^[1][3].
• Chronic or untreated cases can result in malabsorption, weight loss, and, in children, failure to thrive or impaired development^[6].

Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Diagnosis is made by testing stool samples for the presence of Giardia^[1].
• Prescription medications are available and effective, but some people recover without treatment^[1][3][7].
• It's important to stay hydrated, as diarrhea can lead to significant fluid loss^[1][3].

Prevention:

• Avoid drinking untreated water from natural sources^[1][5][4].
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or handling animals^[1][5].
• Properly dispose of sewage and avoid contact with potentially contaminated feces^[1][4].
• Boil water from uncertain sources to kill the parasite^[5].

Key risk groups include children and staff in daycare centers, travelers to areas with poor sanitation, people who drink untreated water, and those in close contact with infected individuals or animals^[1][6].

In summary, beaver fever (giardiasis) is a common parasitic infection primarily spread through contaminated water, causing gastrointestinal symptoms, and is preventable through good hygiene and safe water practices^[1][6][5].

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• https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/giardiasis/fact_sheet.htm               
• https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/giardiasis.aspx   
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167079     
• https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/giardia-infection/causes.html     
• https://hi.easternhealth.ca/healthy-living/infection-and-disease/enteric-diseases/giardia-beaver-feaver/       
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardiasis     
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15238-giardiasis