Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Caused by the Giardia lamblia parasite, Giardiasis (pronounced GEE-are-DYE-uh-sis) is an illness that may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms in those infected. These can include diarrhea, gas or flatulence, stomach cramps, and nausea; however, some people experience no symptoms at all.

The parasite is spread through contact with water, soil, or other surfaces that have been contaminated by feces from infected humans or animals. Many people in America, for example, contract the illness after swallowing contaminated or untreated water, eating uncooked and contaminated foods, or contact with surfaces contaminated with feces from an infected person.

With this in mind, one of the easiest ways to guard from infection is good hygiene and sanitation. This includes regular and thorough hand washing, as well as avoiding drinking recreational water (pools, saunas, etc.) and untreated ice and drinking water in countries where water may be not be treated.

For a more comprehensive look at Giardia, visit the Centers for Disease Control website, which provided much of the information for this article.

Print Article