Campers Beware: Beaver Fever

Beaver fever is also known as giardia infections. Giardias are a tiny parasite that infects the intestines, and cause diarrhea. Normally, this disease will be found in British Columbia, and generally campers need to be more aware on preventing giardia.

Generally, you obtain giardia infections or beaver fever by drinking unclean water or food with the giardia cysts or contacting the feces of an infected human or animal. For example, small activities like drinking contaminated water when camping or even swallowing contaminated water when participating in water activities like canoeing and swimming can be ways to get a giardia infection. Giardia cysts can survive for long periods in the environment - especially cold water which are normally found in lakes, streams, and creeks of camping areas in British Columbia.

Normally, beaver fever may cause diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, and stomach cramps. An infected person may not even know that they are passing the infection on to others or that they even have the infection because they may only have mild symptoms which can be mistaken for other things. Often, an infected person may not even show any symptoms. Generally, symptoms will start a week to ten days after being infected by the giardia cysts, and cause last from a couple of days to a whole month. It all depends on your own body, and the cysts.

If you believe that you have beaver fever, consult your physician. Normally, they will ask for a couple of stool samples for tests. Depending on how sick you are, your doctor will decide whether or not they will prescribe you any medications.

If you have been diagnosed with beaver fever, do not drink any milk products for a while. Also, do not swim in public pools (or even your own pool) while you may be experiencing diarrhea. While you're recovering be sure to wash your hands with soap frequently for health reasons. On a special note, even after recovery, your stool may still be releasing parasites; thus, it is important to be very healthy and clean for the sake of you and others.