Minnesota

Giardiasis in Minnesota

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the microscopic parasite **Giardia duodenalis** (also known as *Giardia intestinalis* or *Giardia lamblia*). It's one of the most common causes of waterborne disease globally, affecting people of all ages but particularly common in areas with poor sanitation and among travelers, campers, and children. Track Giardiasis activity and outbreaks specific to Minnesota.

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What is Giardiasis?

The parasite **Giardia** was first observed by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in his own stool in 1681 using his microscope. It was later formally described by Dr. Vilém Lambl in 1859, leading to its classification and eventual recognition as a major cause of diarrheal disease worldwide, especially with the rise of modern public health and epidemiology.

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea (often watery, foul-smelling, and persistent)
  • Abdominal cramps and bloating
  • Excessive gas (flatulence)
  • Nausea and occasional vomiting
  • Fatigue and malaise
  • Weight loss and malabsorption (in chronic cases)

Transmission

Giardiasis primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning the ingestion of **Giardia** cysts found in the feces of an infected person or animal. This commonly occurs by drinking contaminated water (the most frequent route), eating contaminated food, or through direct person-to-person contact, particularly in settings with poor hygiene or communal living.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Practice excellent hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
  • Drink only treated, filtered, or boiled water, especially when traveling or camping in areas with questionable water sources.
  • Avoid consuming untreated water from lakes, streams, ponds, or public swimming areas.
  • Wash or peel raw fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Avoid swimming if you have diarrhea and avoid swallowing water while swimming.

Minnesota Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Minnesota

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Giardiasis activity across Minnesota. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

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Minnesota Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Minnesota, visit your state health department's website.

→ Minnesota Department of Health → Find Giardiasis Vaccination Near You → CDC Travel Health Notices

Protecting Yourself in Minnesota

Whether you live in Minnesota, are traveling there, or have family in the state, understanding Giardiasis prevention is essential. Follow these evidence-based prevention measures:

Prevention Measures

  • Practice excellent hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
  • Drink only treated, filtered, or boiled water, especially when traveling or camping in areas with questionable water sources.
  • Avoid consuming untreated water from lakes, streams, ponds, or public swimming areas.
  • Wash or peel raw fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Avoid swimming if you have diarrhea and avoid swallowing water while swimming.

When to Seek Care

If you experience symptoms of Giardiasis in Minnesota, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly.

Emergency symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research →

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03

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