Waterborne Illness Outbreaks
MDH has developed a model for investigating waterborne illness using a centralized group of epidemiologists and interviewers coordinated with the state and local environmental health departments. This approach allows us to rapidly respond to reports of outbreaks, standardize outbreak investigations, maintain a statewide database of waterborne disease, and distribute information quickly and consistently.
- Waterborne Outbreak Basics
Information about what an outbreak is and how you can find out if one is occurring.-
Reporting Suspected Foodborne and Waterborne Illness
Please contact 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.
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Reporting Suspected Foodborne and Waterborne Illness
- Outbreak Detection
Outbreaks are detected in a variety of ways at the Minnesota Department of Health.
- Outbreak Investigations
Investigations usually involve coordination between epidemiologists and environmental health inspectors.
To report a suspected foodborne or waterborne illness call 1-877-FOOD-ILL.
Spotlight
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.
Norovirus Infection
Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called caliciviruses also known previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Learn more about Norovirus, how to minimize your risk of acquiring norovirus infection, required reporting information, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, treatment and more.
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.
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.
