BEAVER FEVER

Beaver Fever (Giardiasis)

Now listen here — “Beaver Fever,” fancy folks call it giardiasis, is one of them gut-bustin’ belly bugs caused by a tiny critter called Giardia lamblia. This little parasite fella gets in your guts and can stir up all kinds of trouble — like belly cramps, watery squirts, gas that could clear a campfire, feelin’ downright wore out, and losin’ some weight (but not in a good way).

You mostly catch it from drinkin’ bad water — like from creeks, rivers, or ponds where beavers and other critters do their business. They don’t mean no harm, but their poop’s full of them parasites. Doc’ll usually give you some meds to run that varmint outta your system.

How Folks Catch Beaver Fever

This mess comes from swallowin’ somethin’ nasty that’s been touched by that Giardia bug. It’s a one-cell squirmy critter that loves dirty water and unwashed hands.

1. Dirty Water Drinkin’

The main way folks get it is from drinkin’ creek, lake, or well water that ain’t been cleaned up proper. You go fillin’ your bottle from a pretty mountain stream and thinkin’ you’re sippin’ pure nature — surprise! You might be gulpin’ down beaver backwash.

2. Poop-to-Mouth Trouble

Now, it don’t sound nice, but it’s true — sometimes people get it from touchin’ poop (or stuff that’s got poop on it) and then touchin’ their mouth. Happens a lot with kids, or if you’re out campin’ and forget to wash up proper before eatin’.

After you swallow that parasite, it takes about a week or two before your belly starts pitchin’ a fit — you’ll get cramps, bloated like a bullfrog, fartin’ like an old truck, and maybe throwin’ up, too. Some folks don’t even know they got it, but they’re still spreadin’ it around.

If you think you caught this critter, best go see a doc. They’ll give you them parasite-killin’ pills to clean your pipes out.

How to Keep from Catchin’ It

Keep Them Hands Clean

• Always wash your hands with soap and water after you do your business, change a diaper, or mess with animals.

• Wash up before you cook or eat.

• Don’t let kids with the squirts go to daycare or play in the water.

• If you’re gettin’ frisky, don’t be mixin’ that up with poop — you’ll regret it.

Watch That Water

• Don’t go drinkin’ water straight outta rivers, creeks, or wells unless you’ve boiled it, filtered it, or treated it.

• Don’t swallow pool or lake water when you’re swimmin’ — you don’t know what’s floatin’ in there.

• If your young’uns gotta go potty, keep that far away from the water’s edge.

• Shower before you jump in a public pool, and if you’ve got the runs — stay outta the water, ya nasty!

Handle Food and Critters Right

• Wash or peel your veggies and fruit before chompin’ on ‘em.

• Don’t eat food that smells funky or looks dirty.

• Wash up good after feedin’ animals or cleanin’ their pens.

• If you got the beaver fever, don’t be cookin’ for other folks — you’ll just pass that belly bug along.

Want me to make a shorter version too — like one you