Giardiasis

What is it? A water borne parasite causing intestinal symptoms such as weight loss, chronic diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating, fatigue and frequent loose, greasy stools. How is it transmitted? Contaminated water. Where is it present? Worldwide. Level of risk? Moderate to high. What can I do to prevent getting it? Avoid ingesting potentially contaminated drinking water or water used for recreational purposes, like rivers or pools. Treatment? Supportive, recovery-orientated treatment is best as the disease resolves after a few weeks. Where symptoms persist metronidazole, tinidazole or nitadazole are used.