Question

An Indian tribe living in the wilds of Northern Minnesota take up residence in a small valley near a lake. There is a bounty of wildlife including a large herd of bison, many deer and elk, the lake abounds with pike and other fishes. One of the primary traditional foods of the tribe is smoked fish.

• During the course of several months a significant % of the tribe are showing a set of curious symptoms that include: abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss.

• Those showing these symptoms often pass “white feces”.

• A number of the affected tribes people show a paleness of complexion, loss of the healthy pink coloration of their gums, and lack motivation and energy.

*Name the disease these people have contracted

*Give a generic specific name for an organism that is known to cause it

*Explain how the disease is transmitted to the native Americans

*What they can do to prevent it.

Answer 1

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic,single-celled parasite known as Giardia lamblia. These organisms typically found in lakes,streams or ponds which have been contaminated by human,or animal faeces .

In the United States ,giardiasis occurs more often during summer.This is believed to be due to a greater amount of time spent on outdoor activities and travelling in the wilderness.

Ingesting the pathogen causes all Giardia infections;therefore to avoid getting sick,contact with the organism should be avoided such as avoiding water and food that might be contaminated,thoroughly washing hands after using bathroom and before handling food and avoiding fecal exposure during sex.