The 8 signs of parasite tummy bug as cases hit record high in UK – from ‘eggy burps’ to farting & when it’s dangerous

AS BRITS have been urged to take extra precautions abroad after cases of a diarrhoea causing parasite hit a decade high in the UK, here are the key signs to look out for. Health chiefs have warned that the infection – often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – can cause “serious complications” if left untreated. Health chiefs have warned that cases of a diarrhoea causing parasite have hit a decade high in the UK Credit: Getty Called giardiasis, the highly infectious stomach bug is caused by a parasite and symptoms include diarrhoea, bloating, burping, wind and weight loss. If left untreated, however, it can also cause children to suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth in rare cases. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are also more at risk if they do not get the illness treated. The bug is caught after swallowing untreated water from lakes, rivers, streams, or unverified public water supplies. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed this week that 6,069 people have been sickened by the infection in the UK in the last year. This represents a rise of more than 40 per cent on the 4,290 cases reported in 2016 and 11 per cent on 2024, where 5,450 cases were logged. Though the figures relate to 2025, the advice, including to parents, comes during the school holidays. UKHSA has advised people to stop swimming in rivers or lakes when abroad. Most read in Health Commenting on the rise in giardiasis cases, Nicola Love, Senior Food Safety Surveillance Lead at UKHSA, said: “If you have a giardia infection, continue to hydrate yourself and see your GP, do not go swimming until two weeks after your diarrhoea has stopped. “Parents should contact their GP or NHS 111 if they or their children are ill with dehydration, or if diarrhoea worsens or lasts longer than three days.” So, with this surge in cases, here are eight key symptoms of the bug that everyone should know. The main symptoms include burps that smell like eggs, smelly or watery diarrhoea, stomach pain and bloating. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised people not to swim in rivers or lakes when abroad Credit: Getty And other common symptoms are stomach cramps, wind, weight loss and fatigue. Giardiasis is usually confirmed by a stool sample and is treated with antibiotics. Symptoms should stop in about a week, but they can sometimes last longer – even up to several months. The infection can be picked up in the UK as well as when travelling abroad. According to the NHS, the illness can be caught by drinking water that’s contaminated by the poo of infected people or animals, or eating food that’s been washed in contaminated water or handled by someone with giardiasis. You can also get it through touching surfaces that have been touched by an infected person or having sex with someone with the bug – especially unprotected oral or anal sex. To reduce the risk of infection when travelling abroad, UKHSA advises that travellers should drink bottled water rather than tap water and cooked food to avoid things like raw salad vegetables washed in tap water. To avoid spreading giardiasis, you should regularly wash your hands with soap and water and wash any contaminated clothing or bedding on its own in a hot wash. The NHS also advises patients to regularly clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door knobs to help minimise the spread. It is important to stay home from school or work until 48 hours after your symptoms pass. The NHS warns that it is easy to become dehydrated when you have this infection, so you must ensure you drink plenty of fluids. If you have diarrhoea for more than seven days, you should book an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 for guidance. UKHSA has also advised travellers to avoid eating raw vegetables and salad that could have been washed in tap water when abroad Credit: Getty Red flags to look out for in your child Infections, like colds and flu, and tummy bugs that cause diarrhoea and vomiting, are very common in babies and children. Thankfully, most will make a full recovery without needing treatment. However, you should phone 999 or go to A&E if they: Stop breathing or have pauses in their breathing Have severe difficulty breathing, such as grunting or noisy breathing Look seriously unwell – e.g. they are very pale, grey, or white, or have mottling (pale patchy skin with a purple tinge) on their arms, legs or body Aren’t showing a normal colour of skin, lips and tongue – e.g. very pale, blue or purple Aren’t awake and can’t be wakened, or are very difficult to waken Are breathing very rapidly, even when resting and when not upset or crying Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee Have yellow-green or green vomit May have swallowed something poisonous Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights Have a sudden, severe headache Have a sudden, severe stomach ache Are confused or not responding as usual Ultimately, you know your child best. Always trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help if you think there’s an emergency. Source: NHS This advice also applies if you have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from your bottom. People taking antibiotics for giardiasis must also not drink alcohol as they can interfere with the medicine. Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious complications of the bug if it goes untreated. This can include dehydration, malnutrition and physical and mental development delays. If giardiasis lasts a long time, it can also damage the lining of the small intestine and cause gastrointestinal diseases. In regard to the surge in cases in the UK, UKHSA warned that the rise may in part be due to increased travel since the Covid pandemic or better testing. Infections are being seen in people returning from Southern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Africa and South America, officials said. Nicola Love said: “We are seeing a rise in giardiasis in the UK. “There are some simple precautions everyone can take to reduce their risk, whether you are planning an autumn getaway somewhere warm or staying in the UK. “Good hygiene can help prevent giardiasis and other common gastro illnesses. “Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, after changing nappies, and before preparing food. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly too.” Comment now