Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a parasitic intestinal infection caused by the single-celled organism Giardia duodenalis, and it is especially common among children and travelers. Infected people can experience fatty, greasy diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and weakness resulting from dehydration and poor absorption of nutrients, though less common symptoms such as skin rash can also occur. The parasite spreads through contaminated water or food, or through direct contact with an infected person.