The
Giardia lamblia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement from an infected human or animal; if you happen to ingest this parasite, you may develop the diarrheal illness called
giardiasis. Symptoms of infection usually occur within one to two weeks of transmission.
Diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating are some of the most common symptoms.
Giardia lamblia is found in:
- Food
- Water
- Soil
- Surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals.
You cannot become infected through contact with blood.
(For info on the life cycle of the parasite and more details on how it is transmitted, click Giardia Lamblia.)
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