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Parasitic Diseases
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Parasitic Diseases

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host for food, and while some are easily treated, prevention through safe water and hygiene is essential.

Overview

Parasites are living things that use other living things—like your body—for food and a place to live. You can get them from contaminated food or water, a bug bite, or sexual contact. Some parasitic diseases are easily treated and some are not.

Types and Transmission

Parasites range in size from tiny, one-celled organisms called protozoa to worms that can be seen with the naked eye. Examples include:

  • Giardia: Infections can result from contaminated water supplies.
  • Toxoplasmosis: Transmitted by cats and is dangerous for pregnant women.
  • Malaria: Common in other parts of the world.

Prevention and Treatment

If you are traveling, it is important to drink only water you know is safe. Prevention is especially important as there are no vaccines for parasitic diseases. Some medicines are available to treat parasitic infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical Giardia symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloating, gas, nausea, and fatigue that can last several weeks. A definitive diagnosis is made by sending at least three stool samples on separate days to a laboratory, where the technician looks for the parasite’s cysts or trophozoites under a microscope or uses an antigen‑detection test. If you have persistent gastrointestinal symptoms after traveling or consuming untreated water, ask your clinician for a stool panel that includes Giardia testing.
The main prevention steps are: wash hands thoroughly after handling cat litter or soil; keep the litter box in a separate room and change it daily; wear gloves when cleaning it; feed the cat commercial dry food or properly cooked meat; avoid handling stray cats; and wash all produce and fruits thoroughly. If the cat is indoors and well‑cared for, the risk is lower, but regular hand hygiene remains essential.
lways drink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice made from tap water; eat foods that are cooked thoroughly and served hot; peel fruits and vegetables yourself; and keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer handy. Staying hydrated with clean water and eating safe foods reduces the chance of ingesting parasites.
Use a mosquito net treated with permethrin, wear long‑sleeved shirts and long pants, apply DEET or picaridin repellents to exposed skin, stay in screened or air‑conditioned accommodations, and avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk). Also, bring a copy of your prescription and be aware of local health facilities in case of fever.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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