Giardiasis, 2016

During 2016, 655 cases of Giardia infection (11.9 per 100,000) were reported. This represents a 4% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 2006 through 2015 (median, 685 cases; range, 620 to 1,105). Recent immigrants and refugees continue to represent a substantial proportion of cases, accounting for 37% of all cases. An additional 12% of cases reported international travel in the 3 weeks prior to illness onset. Excluding recent immigrants and refugees, the median age of cases was 38 years (range, 6 months to 84 years). Fifteen percent were <10 years of age, and 33% were >50 years of age. Fifty-seven percent of non-immigrant and refugee cases were male. Giardia infections showed a summer/fall seasonality; 52% of non-immigrant and refugee cases occurred during July through October. Twenty-eight (4%) cases required hospitalization, for a median of 4 days (range, 1 to 14 days). One outbreak was identified that accounted for 2 laboratory-confirmed cases. The 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, 2016