Where is Giardia found?
Giardiasis affects all age groups in humans, and Giardia cysts can be found in dogs, beavers and other domestic and wild animals. Giardia is found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Giardiasis has a worldwide distribution and, Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite identified by public health laboratories in the United States. What are the symptoms of giardiasis? The most common symptoms of giardiasis are diarrhea with loose and pale greasy stools, gas, or flatulence, stomach cramps, bloating, weight loss, and fatigue. Fever and vomiting are rare. Many people who become infected with Giardia do not have symptoms. People who do not have symptoms can still cause infection. Young children and pregnant women may be more likely to get dehydrated from diarrhea and should drink plenty of fluids while ill. Some people who become infected develop a chronic syndrome of diarrhea, malabsorption, and weight loss. How
