Giardiasis, 2013

During 2013, 620 cases of Giardia infection (11.5 per 100,000) were reported. This represents a 27% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 2003 through 2012 (median, 849 cases; range, 633 to 1,398). Recent immigrants and refugees continue to represent a substantial proportion of reported Giardia cases, accounting for 32% of all cases. An additional 10% of cases reported international travel in the 3 weeks prior to illness onset.

The median age for all cases reported in 2013 was 21 years (range, 5 weeks to 90 years). Thirty-five percent of cases were <10 years of age, and 21% of cases were >50 years of age. Thirty-eight (6%) cases required hospitalization, for a median of 4 days (range, 1 to 35 days). Excluding cases identified through immigrant and refugee health screenings, Giardia infections showed a summer/fall seasonality; 50% of cases occurred during July through October. Two outbreaks of giardiasis were identified in Minnesota in 2013, accounting for 4 laboratory-confirmed cases; both outbreaks occurred in a daycare.

• For up to date information see>> Giardiasis (Giardia)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013