Giardiasis, 2014

During 2014, 656 cases of Giardia infection (12.1 per 100,000) were reported. This represents a 19% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 2004 through 2013 (median, 805.5 cases; range, 620 to 1,398). Recent immigrants and refugees continue to represent a substantial proportion (37%) of all cases. An additional 11% of cases reported international travel in the 3 weeks prior to illness onset. The median age for all cases was 21 years (range, 10 months to 93 years). Thirty-five percent were less than 10 years of age, and 20% were over 50 years of age. Excluding cases identified through immigrant and refugee health screenings, 60% were male. Thirty-two (5%) cases required hospitalization, for a median of 5 days (range, 1 to 44 days). Four outbreaks of giardiasis were identified in Minnesota in 2014, accounting for 8 laboratory-confirmed cases. Three outbreaks occurred in a daycare, and one outbreak occurred among a group of campers who drank improperly treated surface water along a Lake Superior hiking trail.

• For up to date information see>> Giardiasis (Giardia)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2014