Although onset of symptoms may take a few days to several months, it commonly takes 2 to 4 weeks to produce symptoms ranging from severe bloody or mucoid diarrhea, fever and chills to mild abdominal discomfort.
The parasite lives in fecal material of infected people. You could get this infection from drinking or eating food or water that is contaminated with feces, which has been contaminated by infected food handlers who have not washed their hands prior to touching the food. Sexual transmission is also possible by oral-anal contact.
Your health care provider might prescribe medicine to treat the infection.
- Control flies around food areas.
- Ensure that human waste is properly disposed of.
- Avoid drinking water that may be contaminated with sewage.
Read other helpful prevention tips.