How does Giardiasis spread?
Giardiasis occurs when Giardia parasites are taken in by mouth and the most common way this happens is by person-to-person spread. People with giardiasis have Giardia lambia parasites in their faeces. If these people do not wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, then contaminated hands can spread the parasites to surfaces and objects which will be touched by other people. Contaminated hands can also spread the parasites to food which may be eaten by other people. Hands can also become contaminated with parasites when a person changes the nappy of an infant with giardiasis. People and animals can carry Giardia in the faeces without having any symptoms. These people or animals can still pass the disease on to others. Pets, farm animals and contaminated drinking water can also spread Giardia parasites.
