Amebiasis (am-e-bi-ah-sis) What is Amebiasis? It is an illness caused by a parasite. The parasite is found in the stool (bowel movement) of an infected person. It is sometimes called amebic dysentery. What are the symptoms? After exposure, illness typically occurs in 2-4 weeks. It may take several months to get sick. Illness may be mild to severe. May not feel sick at all, but can still infect others. Diarrhea (may be bloody) Stomach cramps Chills or fever No desire to eat How is Amebiasis spread? By not washing your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Not washing your hands before fixing food, eating food or feeding others. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water. How can you avoid getting Amebiasis? Wash your hands with soap and water, especially: After using the toilet or changing diapers. Before handling food or eating. Clean and disinfect bathroom fixtures after use by the sick person. To disinfect you can use 1 Tbs (tablespoon) bleach in 1 gallon cool or lukewarm water. What about foreign travel? When traveling to underdeveloped countries: Drink only bottled or treated water. Peel or cook fruits and vegetables before eating. What else? Food handlers, health care workers and childcare providers with diarrhea should not work. If they have Amebiasis, the Health Department will decide when it's safe to return. Keep your child home and inform your childcare provider if your child has diarrhea. If your child has Amebiasis, the Health Department will decide when it's safe to return. Remember…Use good hand washing. A person with diarrhea should not prepare food for others.