Giardia is a waterborne parasite that can cause an infection known as giardiasis in the intestinal tracts of its host. This parasite is found in water around the world but thrives in unsanitary conditions and untreated water. This does not mean that having access to treated water from your local municipality will eliminate the risk since the parasite can survive in treated water, city water, wells, and swimming pools; however, having access to clean water is the first step in disease prevention.Exposure happens primarily through water, but patients can also contract the parasite through eating food that was prepared with water that has active parasites. Giardia can also be transmitted from person-to-person contact as the giardia parasite can be present in stool and transmitted through unsanitary conditions or through common everyday contact, such as diaper changing of infected infants, or through lack of good handwashing hygiene. People at greatest risk for exposure are those with no access to clean water. Further at-risk groups include children who often are in the early stages of learning personal and handwashing hygiene; those who care for young children are also at greater risk as well.
Giardiasis is a treatable infection with different prescription drugs that kill the parasites. It is important to seriously evaluate the signs of giardiasis and seek treatment because of the complications that can occur with severe and long-lasting cases of giardiasis, such as weight loss and failure to thrive among children due to chronic diarrhea as well as the risk to all populations for complications due to severe dehydration.
