A parasite called Entamoeba histolytica causes amebiasis. Symptoms can start within a few days to years. It usually takes two to four weeks to show symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Runny stool with blood or mucous
You can get by:
- Eating contaminated foods
- Drinking contaminated water
- Sexual transmission (oral-anal contact)
For more information, see our fact sheet on Amebiasis.