What is Giardia? The stomach bug parasite outbreak which shut down a Liverpool primary school
The Giardia parasite causes Giardiasis, an infectious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and bloating
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Two children who attended a Liverpool primary school which was battling an outbreak of an infectious stomach bug have died.
The pair, five and six, were pupils at Millstead Primary School, in Everton, Merseyside, which closed last month over the Giardia outbreak.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the causes of the deaths of the two children have not been confirmed but that they are “unlikely to be due to Giardia”.
The headteacher said the school community was “devastated” after their recent deaths and that both children “filled their classes with joy”.
But what is Giardiasis? The Independent takes a look below.
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a type of parasite that can cause Giardiasis, a tummy bug that can cause symptoms like diarrhoea, farting and bloating.
It usually goes away in about a week if it is treated, but it can sometimes last much longer, according to the National Health Service.
The parasites are found in streams and lakes but also in public water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas and wells.
How is it spread?
Giardiasis is usually spread through direct contact with infected people or animals, or from swallowing contaminated water, food or drinks, according to the NHS.
It can be caught by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, touching contaminated surfaces or having sex with people infected with the parasite.
What are the symptoms and how is it treated?
The main symptoms of giardiasis are smelly diarrhoea, tummy pain or cramps, farting, smelly burps, bloating and weight loss, according to the NHS.
It is usually treated with a course of antibiotics and is cured within a week.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments