GIARDIA: I Experienced New Zealand’s Silent Threat to Adventurous Travellers.
"It was supposed to be a refreshing sip from nature’s tap, untouched and pure. But that innocent gulp of South Island lake water destroyed my body, cancelled my travel plans, and made me question my faith in “natural” living".
Introduction
If you think water is safe to drink from glacier crystal lakes, BE AWARE.
It was supposed to be a refreshing sip from nature’s tap, untouched and pure. But that innocent gulp of South Island lake water destroyed my body, cancelled my travel plans, and made me question my faith in “natural” living.
I was six months into my New Zealand backpacking trip, working as a hostel cleaner and dating a guy from Argentina, the kind of man who could probably drink water from a pothole and still have abs the next morning. But we have to remember, I am British. I’ve attracted everything from norovirus to chest infections, and that is only after completing a seventeen hour flight. So, when my Argentinian boyfriend (at the time) handed me a cup of lake water with a confident comment “It is good, it is great,” I should have known better.
But I didn’t. I drank. And I paid for it... hard.
The Symptoms Begin
Two days later, during an ill-advised screening of The Human Centipede at the hostel (don’t ask), my stomach began to rebel. Sweats, cramps and bloating began to surface. The next morning, the toilet became my best friend both from the front and back passage. I was weak, nauseous, and still scrubbing toilets for hostel guests with a smile and a pale face.
Eventually, I dragged myself to A+E, only to realise my travel insurance had expired. Classic David move. The doctor, unimpressed, asked for a stool sample (yay), and sent me home with no medications until the test results came back. Meanwhile, I was left withering. A couple of days later, I received a diagnosis of Giardia. A parasite, which had caused an infection in my intestines alongside a $300 NZD medical bill and antibiotics to take home.
The antibiotics gave me temporary relief, but the infection came back like a horror movie sequel. I was on my second round of treatment and still remained curled in a ball most nights. My weight dropped and I looked like a horror movie extra. I had to cancel my trip to India for a friend’s wedding. If I caught food poisoning while in India, while living with this parasite, there would be no way I would survive the wedding ceremony or let alone be able to travel back to New Zealand.
But the symptoms continued to ease but would come back just a strong a few days after, and the cycle would start over again. And then I had a thought, This wasn’t just Giardia, it had to be something else.
The Medical Plot Twist
I begged the A+E team to look at alternatives as the antibiotics I continued to be prescribed where either not strong enough or I needed to try and new tablet. After some grumbling, the doctors finally listened. A few days later, I was given a stronger dose of antibiotics and... worm tablets!
Worm. Tablets.
I suddenly had a terrifying vision of yanking out a 6-foot parasitic worm from my back passage like something out of Alien. (Spoiler: that didn’t happen). But a few days later, for the first time in two months, I could breathe, the pain eased and I felt lighter. I began to feel better.
Lessons From The Lake
Never drink from untreated natural water. Just because it’s clear doesn’t mean it’s clean. Giardia is often caused by animal faeces getting into water supplies, especially in farmland, heavy regions like New Zealand.
My Must-Have Travel Health Kit
Medications
Paracetamol: The basics for pain and fever
Check for interactions if you take any regular medications or if you are allergic to any foods or medicines, let you doctor know.
Antibiotics: Will be recommended by your doctor.
Rehydration
Oral rehydration sachets: Essential if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea. They restore lost electrolytes quickly.
Safe Water Practices
Bottled water only: no tap water, no brushing teeth with tap water, and be cautious with ice in drinks. Ice may be frozen from unfiltered water.
Travel Insurance
Visit Compare the Market website: Compare the many different travel insurance policies and see which one best suits you and the trip you are about to take.
Do your research and make sure you’re covered for the essentials. And always read the fine print!.
Final Thoughts
Do not drink water from lakes! Travel smart. Drink safe. And if a hot South American guy hands you water from a lake, maybe just say no (or pack a water purifier in case of emergencies ).
Want to know more about Giardia and how to stay safe? Check out the NHS guide: Giardiasis – NHS
Safe Travels & Stay Healthy!