(HealthDay News) -- Giardiasis is a parastic infection caused by Giardia intestinalis, a microorganism that lives in the intestines of infected people and animals. Giardiasis usually causes intestinal symptoms including diarrhea, gas, stomach cramping, and nausea.
Here are the most common ways to contract giardiasis, courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Putting objects in the mouth or swallowing objects that have been contaminated with giardia.
- Swallowing water contaminated with giardia -- from swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams.
- Eating uncooked or undercooked foods contaminated with giardia.
- Accidentally ingesting giardia by touching objects that have been contaminated -- including bathroom fixtures, changing tables, soiled diapers, or children's toys.
