How is giardiasis spread?
Giardia 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. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Giardia may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Giardia is not spread by contact with blood. Giardia can be spread: • By putting something in your mouth or accidentally swallowing something that has come in contact with the stool of a person or animal infected with Giardia. • By swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water is water in swimming pools, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals. • By eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia. • By accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) contaminated
