Health officials report parasite outbreak in Hopkins County

HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. – Health officials are warning of a parasitic infection outbreak in Hopkins County.

On Monday, July 7, the Hopkins County Health Department confirmed the county is experiencing an outbreak of Giardia, a parasite that is swallowed and passed through the intestinal tract.

According to officials, Giardia can be found in lakes, pools, and unwashed hands touching food or other surfaces.

Officials say a symptom of the parasite includes diarrhea.

Health officials say currently, there is no conclusive evidence of a source.

The outbreak is being tracked by the Hopkins County Health Department epidemiology nurses, the state regional epidemiologist and the state epidemiology department.

You can prevent Giardia by doing the following:

• Handwashing after being contact with a bathroom, changing diapers, before handling food and after touching animals or soil.
• Avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers or streams.
• You must boil water for one minute to kill Giardia.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Avoid animal feces.
• Safe food preparation.
• Food service workers should not work when sick with a diarrhea illness.
• Keep scoops out of ice buckets and wash hands before preparing drinks.

Treatment can include the following, according to health officials:

• Not everyone needs treatment for Giardia. Speak to your provider.
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.