Giardia parasites can be spread through food - either because food handlers with giardia infection don't wash their hands thoroughly or because raw produce is irrigated or washed with unsafe (contaminated) water. Children in diapers and people with diarrhea may accidentally contaminate pools and spas. Ground and surface water can become infected with giardia from agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge or animal feces. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas. The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing unsafe (contaminated) water. This can occur by swallowing unsafe water, by eating infected food or through person-to-person contact. Infection occurs when you accidentally swallow the parasite cysts. Once inside a host, the cysts dissolve and the parasites are released. Before the microscopic parasites are passed in stool, they become encased within hard shells called cysts, which allows them to survive outside the intestines for months. Giardia parasites live in the intestines of people and animals.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |