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| A clear river in Alaska. |
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GIARDIA
On your nature walk, you stop by a stream to enjoy the water. It's clear and crisp. You aren't far from your car, but you sure are thirsty, and the water looks so inviting; after all, it's probably good spring water... what harm could come from it?
Well, think twice, because Giardia is a highly irritating parasite that you can get from drinking unfiltered water from streams and lakes in Alaska.
What is Giardia?
Giardia is a parasite that lives in the intestines of various animals, like humans. It can travel in streams and lakes from fecal matter however, and infect those who drink the water.
Giardia can also be found in countries with poor wastewater systems.
How do I know I have Giardia?
The main symptom of Giardia is painful bouts of diarrhea. Stomach cramps, gas, and nausea are also commonly reported.
Giardia is not usually fatal to healthy individuals, but it still isn't a pleasant disease to have.
How do I know the water is safe, or how do I MAKE it safe?
Filtration is the easiest, cheapest, and most accessible method; portable filtration systems are widely available at outdoor stores. If you're worried about getting lost, take one along. Chemical treatments, like iodine, have also been shown effective. When all else fails, boil your water thoroughly, which should make it relatively safe to drink.
I think I have Giardia. Am I stuck with this parasite?
Not at all! Treatments are effective - just talk to a doctor. Be sure to finish all of your medicine, however. If the parasite isn't completely cleared from your system, it may return and this time the treatment won't be so effective.
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| NPS | | Snowshoe hare are the most common carriers of Tularemia |
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TULAREMIA
Thinking about picking up that cute little rabbit? Think again. Tularemia is a highly infectious disease most commonly spread in Alaska by the snowshoe hare.
What causes Tularemia?
Tularemia is caused by a bacterium - Francisella tularensis - which commonly resides in rodents, rabbits, and hares. The handling of these animals, particularly if wild, should be done with care. The disease is transmitted to snowshoe hares in Alaska by local ticks, which fortunately do not feed on humans. The handling of infected hares can allow the bacteria to enter through small cuts in a person's hands.
If I get Tularemia, how will I know?
Skin ulcers, swollen lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea and pneumonia are all symptoms of Tularemia. If you have any of these and you have recently handled a snowshoe hare, contact a doctor immediately.
Oh, no! Are my days numbered?
No, Tularemia is easily treated with antibiotics. Treatment typically lasts for 10-15 days, and all medication must be taken, or the disease will return.
When am I most at risk?
You are most at risk from May to September, when the tick that passes the disease to animals is most active.
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TRICHINOSIS
Mmm, you've never had seal before, so you dig into the meat, and realize it's not cooked all the way... oh well, that shouldn't be a problem, right?
Well, turns out eating undercooked walrus, seal, or bear is just as dangerous as eating undercooked pork - you could get Trichinosis!
What is Trichinosis?
Trichinosis is a dangerous disease caused by the infestation of a worm parasite. Humans can get this parasite from consuming undercooked meat, typically from pigs, but wild, meat-eating animals can also spread the disease.
So how will I know if I have Trichinosis?
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, and abdominal discomfort are all very common symptoms of Trichinosis. If you are experiencing any of these and have recently eaten wild animal meat as mentioned above, contact a doctor.
I'm not stuck with this worm, am I?
Not at all. Doctors have several effective treatments for getting rid of Trichinosis. The sooner you notice it, however, the better the treatments will work.
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PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISONING (PSP)
You've heard about some of the great clamming that Alaska offers, but you don't really care to compete with others on those beaches that the authorities recommend, so you find yourself on an unnamed beach teeming with clams. Grabbing a few couldn't hurt anyone, right?
Well, turns out those clams could really hurt you! Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is a deadly and potentially fatal condition of which any shellfish enthusiast must be aware.
What is PSP?
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning is caused from a toxin present in many shellfish which they acquire from bacteria and algae. Cooking does not break down this toxin and thus the only way to prevent getting PSP is to not gather clams from uncertified beaches. Also be sure to properly gut crabs before eating, as their viscera may also contain this toxin.
What happens when I get PSP?
First your lips, then fingers and toes will tingle and go numb. This could happen less than an hour after you have eaten the clams. Later symptoms include a loss of muscular coordination. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Uh, oh, starting to go numb...
Get to a doctor! Death from respiratory paralysis may occur within 3-12 hours after eating infected clams. Early entry into a hospital will allow for the purging of the stomach. Save the uneaten clams so they may be tested in labs later.
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