Acute Communicable
Disease Control

 
Contact Information
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

Call 211 For Information 24/7

Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or other health care services?

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Acute Communicable Disease Control
 Giardiasis
 Click for View of Giardiasis Life Cycle

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the zoonotic protozoan parasite Giardia intestinalis (previously G. lamblia). Giardia cysts shed in animal or human feces may contaminate food or drinking water or be transferred on hands or fomites; recreational waters such as lakes and pools may also serve as vehicles of transmission. Incubation can range from 3–25 days or longer, but the median incubation time is 7–10 days. While usually asymptomatic, symptoms can include sulfurous burps, chronic diarrhea, frequent loose and pale greasy stools, bloating, cramps, fatigue, and weight loss. Complications are rare, but may include malabsorption of fats and fatsoluble vitamins. Children in day care represent a reservoir of disease in developed countries. There is no vaccine.


Additional Resources
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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