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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffThe giardia parasite is a very common intestinal parasite. Although anyone can pick up giardia parasites, some people are especially at risk:
- Children. Giardiasis is far more common in children than it is in adults. Children are more likely to come in contact with feces, especially if they wear diapers, are toilet training or spend time in a child care center. Nearly 35 percent of all children in child care may be infected, though many don't have symptoms. Children also tend to put their hands or other objects in their mouths, may swallow lake or pool water, and can be careless about hand washing.
- Child care workers and parents. Adults who work with young children — especially in schools and child care centers — and parents of infants and toddlers are at risk of infection. In families, once giardiasis takes hold, it's difficult to prevent it from spreading.
- People without access to safe drinking water. Giardiasis is common wherever sanitation is inadequate or water isn't safe to drink.
- Travelers. You're at risk if you travel to places where giardiasis is common, especially if you aren't careful about what you eat and drink. The risk increases with the amount of time you spend in a region and is greatest in rural or wilderness areas.
- Hikers and campers. In the United States, giardia parasites can occur in mountainous areas where lakes and streams have become contaminated. Hikers and campers should avoid drinking untreated water, even if it appears clean.
- People who drink from shallow wells. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all surface water in the United States contains giardia parasites, which means you're at risk if you drink untreated water from shallow wells.
- People who have anal sex. Having anal sex without using a condom puts you at risk of giardia infection, as well as for serious sexually transmitted diseases.
