Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection, caused by the parasite.

There are often no symptoms, but the following symptoms can sometimes develop one to two weeks after infection: 

• diarrhoea (without fever and without blood or pus), sometimes continuous, sometimes alternating with periods with no symptoms 
• gas formation 
• fatty, smelly stools 
• lack of appetite or nausea 
• abdominal cramps
• sometimes mild fever

The symptoms can persist for weeks or months, but usually disappear without requiring treatment. 

Infection occurs via contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with infected stools.