DCHP-2

beaver fever Bever Fever DCHP-2 (July 2016)

• n. — informal, usually Outdoors, rural

  an intestinal infection contracted by drinking water contaminated with fecal matter of wildlife, including beavers.

  Type: 5. Frequency — The medical term for beaver fever is giardiasis. The waterborne infection was nicknamed beaver fever because beavers, being aquatic mammals, are perceived to be the main cause of giardiasis (see, e.g. the 2008 quotation). Beaver fever is most prevalent in Canada (see Chart 1).
  See also ITP Nelson, s.v. "beaver fever", which is marked "Canadian".