Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illness is caused by recreational or drinking water contaminated by disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Of note, many waterborne pathogens can also be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.
- Causes and Symptoms of Waterborne Illness
Symptoms and causes of recreational water illness and links to disease-specific information.
- Waterborne Illness Surveillance Statistics
Summary surveillance statistics for outbreaks and selected diseases.
- Health Care Professional Information on Waterborne Illness
Clinical information and required reporting information.
- Reporting Suspected Foodborne Illness
Please call the Minnesota Department of Health if you suspect you have a foodborne or waterborne illness. MDH will relay the necessary information to the appropriate local health authorities.
Why should I call the foodborne illness hotline? | What do I need to know before I call? | What are the hotline hours? | What happens after I call? | Hotline print materials - Foodborne Outbreaks
Information about foodborne illness outbreaks, detection, and investigation in Minnesota.
Outbreak Basics | Reporting Suspected Foodborne Illness | Outbreak Detection | Outbreak Investigations | Outbreak Statistics | For Schools, Day Care, and Long-term Care Facilities
Spotlight
Keeping Food Safe During Buffets or Picnics
Buffets or picnics can be a means to transmit disease among your guests if care is not taken in how the food is handled.
Chicks and Ducklings: Salmonella
Those cute little chicks and ducklings can be a great attraction for children this time of year, but they can also be a source of illness, so it's important for those who handle them to take steps to prevent infection.
Food Safety While Boating, Camping and Hiking
General rules for outdoor food safety.
Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.