After decades of hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking and swimming in various back country environments, it finally happened. I have been colonized. Beaver fever, also known as giardiasis, caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia.  Enjoying my metronidazole.


Giardia

(by Poetry Man, AT ThruHiker '93)

 

Microscopic creatures

exist without a question.

They live in ponds and rivers, and

inside the small intestine.

 

I get my water running,

to avoid amoebic fare,

except the famed giardia,

who live most anywhere.

 

The best prevention's boiling,

or filters extra fine.

And all but giardiasis

will yield to iodine.

 

So far I haven't treated,

And whenever in suspense,

I've cast my lot with lady luck

and simple common sense.

 

I hope to leave the trail behind,

without much indigestion,

clear of conscience and of mind,

and free of infestation.

 

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