Don't Read This If You Get Grossed Out!

Everyone I run into at the store or church wants to know how Fasika is adjusting. She's really doing great! She's "warming up" more and more to our extended family (grandparents, etc.) and Haley, Talia and Elias can't get enough of her... she REALLY makes Elias crack up with her playful gibberish.

We are, however, dealing with some unwelcome visitors... parasites! Fasika has something called Giardia.. which I hear is pretty common in some of these adoption situations from third world countries. She's not in any obvious pain from it and doesn't really seem to notice it. She's on medication to get her "cleaned out".

To be honest... it's kinda gross! When she was diagnosed and we were told that she has parasites in her system... we were all thinking, "microscopic little bugs". That theory pretty much ended when Kristen changed Fasika's diaper and found an 8 inch roundworm! Aauugh! We didn't sign up for free pets when we decided to adopt! :)

Anyway.. as you pray for Fasika and us... here's a little more info courtesy of the CDC:

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis (GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) is a diarrheal illness caused by a microscopic parasite, Giardia intestinalis (also known as Giardia lamblia or Giardia duodenalis). Once a person or animal has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in feces. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time (i.e., months).
During the past 2 decades, Giardia infection has become recognized as a common cause of waterborne disease in humans in the United States. Giardia can be found worldwide and within every region of the United States.

How do you get giardiasis and how is it spread?

The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals (e.g., cats, dogs, cattle, deer, and beavers). Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement of an infected human or animal. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite; you cannot become infected through contact with blood. Giardia can be spread by:

• Accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) contaminated with feces from an infected person or animal.
• Drinking water or using ice made from contaminated sources (e.g., lakes, streams, shallow [less than 50 feet] or poorly monitored or maintained wells).
  
• Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs or spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with feces or sewage from humans or animals.
  
• Eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia.
  
• Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis.
  
• Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common and being exposed to the parasite as described in the bullets above.

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

Giardia infection can cause a variety of intestinal signs or symptoms, which include
Diarrhea
Gas or flatulence
Greasy stools that tend to float
Stomach or abdominal cramps
Upset stomach or nausea
These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration. Some people with Giardia infection have no symptoms at all.

For more info visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm#what

posted by Dave