Giardiasis, 2007

During 2007, 904 cases of Giardia infection (17.4 per 100,000) were reported. This represents an 18% decrease from the 1,105 cases reported in 2006 and an 18% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 1996 through 2006 (median, 1,105, cases; range, 851 to 1,556). Of the total number of Giardia cases for 2007, 40% represented positive tests during routine screenings of recent immigrants and refugees.

The median age for all case-patients reported in 2007 was 19 years (range, 1 month to 102 years). The median age among non-immigrant cases was 36 years (range, 1 month to 102 years). Twenty-two percent of cases were less than 5 years of age, and only 16% of cases were over 50 years of age. Overall, 5% of case-patients were hospitalized; 10% of case-patients over 50 years of age were hospitalized. No outbreaks of giardiasis were identified in Minnesota in 2007.

• For up to date information see>> Giardiasis (Giardia)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2007