Amebiasis

What can be done to prevent the infection?

A person should eat only food that is unlikely to be contaminated, especially when traveling to tropical regions. This means keeping to food that is well cooked and water that is bottled. Practicing safer sex will also help prevent the spread of amebiasis.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

A very severe amebiasis infection can lead to perforation or rupture of the colon. Rarely, the infection involves other organs in the body, such as the liver, brain, or lung.

What are the risks to others?

Someone who excretes cysts into his or her stool puts others at risk for amebiasis. Careful hand-washing and good sanitation help prevent the spread of this infection.