Giardiasis Statistics
From 2009 to 2018 there were 6,556 cases of giardiasis reported in Minnesota.
During 2018, 508 cases of Giardia infection (9.1 per 100,000) were reported. This represents a 22% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 2008 through 2017 (median, 654 cases; range, 620 to 846). Recent immigrants and refugees accounted for 8% of cases. An additional 15% of cases reported international travel in the 3 weeks prior to illness onset. Excluding recent immigrants and refugees, the median age of cases was 35 years (range, 7 months to 98 years). Eighteen percent were <10 years of age, and 30% were >50 years of age. Fifty-seven percent of non-immigrant and refugee cases were male. Giardia infections had a summer/fall seasonality; 48% of non-immigrant and refugee cases occurred during July through October. Thirty-eight (7%) cases required hospitalization, for a median of 4 days (range, 2 to 27 days). Seven outbreaks were identified in Minnesota that accounted for 16 laboratory-confirmed cases. Five outbreaks were associated with person-to-person transmission in child care settings. One outbreak was associated with consumption of surface water along a Lake Superior hiking trail, and one outbreak was associated with swimming at a beach. Additionally, six Minnesota residents were involved in two outbreaks associated with backcountry camping trips in states outside Minnesota.
Charts and graphs:
- Reported Cases of Giardiasis in Minnesota, 2009-2018 (PDF)
Bar graph showing the number of reported giardiasis cases in Minnesota.
Annual summaries:
- Giardiasis, 2018
Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health.- Giardiasis, 2017
- Giardiasis, 2016
- Giardiasis, 2015
- Giardiasis, 2014
- Giardiasis, 2013
- Giardiasis, 2012
- Giardiasis, 2011
- Giardiasis, 2010
- Giardiasis, 2009
- Giardiasis, 2008
- Giardiasis, 2007
- Giardiasis, 2006
- Giardiasis, 2005
- Giardiasis, 2004
- Giardiasis, 2003
- Giardiasis, 2002
- Giardiasis, 2001
- Giardiasis, 2000
Do you suspect that you have a foodborne or waterborne illness? Visit reporting suspected foodborne/waterborne illnesses.
To report a suspected foodborne or waterborne illness call 1-877-FOOD-ILL.
Spotlight
Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs)
The Safer Farm Animal Contact Exhibits (Safer FACEs) training program can help you understand the risks of illness and injury from farm animals, and how to protect your visitors. Complete this free online training and the Minnesota Department of Health will provide certification that your venue has learned about these issues.
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.
Food Safety Outdoors
General rules for outdoor food safety.
There's No Such Thing as "Stomach Flu" (PDF)
Complaints of "stomach flu" are usually norovirus, the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness.
Food Safety Basics: Preventing Foodborne Illness
There's a lot you can do to handle and prepare your food safely. Learn what you can do to prepare, serve and store food safely.
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.
Contact us:
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
