When you're camping, it's tempting to drink water straight from pristine-looking lakes and streams – but don't do it! Microscopic single-celled parasites can cause illnesses in humans if ingested. Here are 2 common waterborne diseases that could ruin your week:
- Cryptosporidiosis (crip-toh-spore-id-ee-oh-sis) is caused by Cryptosporidium (crip-toh-spore-id-ee-um). The symptoms include diarrhea, headache, nausea, and stomach cramps. It usually shows up 1 to 12 days after becoming infected, and the symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Giardiasis (jee-ar-dye-a-sis), also known as "beaver fever," is caused by Giardia (jee-ar-dee-ah). It shares similar symptoms with cryptosporidiosis. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, weakness, and weight loss. Vomiting, chills, and headache may also occur. Symptoms first show up 7 to 10 days after becoming infected and can last for as long as 6 weeks.
How to prevent waterborne diseases:
- Use bottled water only, or boil water at least 5 minutes before using it. Alternatively, you can purify water with iodine tablets or special water filters.
- Use purified water to brush your teeth, wash dishes, fruits, or vegetables, and make ice cubes.
- Peel raw fruits and vegetables before you eat them.
- Wash your hands with bottled or purified water only, and do it carefully several times a day.
- Don't swallow water when you're swimming – even in a chlorinated swimming pool (chlorine doesn't kill all germs).
- One easy way to remember how to keep it safe: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!"
If you think you have cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis, see your doctor right away. You may need to give stool samples to see if you have the parasite, and then get treated with prescription medications to get rid of it for good.
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