Giardia infection (giardiasis) is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. The parasites are found in backcountry streams and lakes but also in public water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas and wells. Giardia infection can be spread through food and person-to-person contact.
Where is giardiasis most common in the world?
Giardia is the most common gut parasite in the United Kingdom, and infection rates are especially high in Eastern Europe. Prevalence rates of 0.94-4.66% and 2.41-10.99% have been reported in Italy. A 2005 study demonstrated a Giardia infection rate of 19.6 per 100,000 population per year in Canada.
Where can you catch giardia?
There are lots of ways you can catch giardiasis, such as:
- drinking water that's not been treated to kill germs.
- water getting in your mouth while swimming in places like lakes, rivers or swimming pools.
- eating food that's been washed in untreated water or handled by someone with the infection.
