Last updated on 13-3-2023 by Marinka Vangenck
Sciensano plays a role in the epidemiological surveillance of Giardia in Belgium. This is done by the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases department via the network of sentinel laboratories and the reference laboratory for parasites, including Giardia (Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp).
When an epidemic is suspected, the relevant regional authorities are contacted so that the medical health inspectors can launch a source investigation among patients. Sciensano can provide support for this epidemiological research.
The various activities undertaken by Sciensano thus contribute to the surveillance and control of giardiasis in Belgium, in the interest of public health.