7 Giardiasis

CDC Giardiasis page

116 cases

0 death

9.5 % of cases were hospitalized

9.4 cases per 100,000 population

7.1 Epidemiologic Review

7.1.1 Disease Information

Overview: Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. Giardia is found worldwide and in every region of the United States.

Symptoms: Symptoms include diarrhea, gas or flatulence, greasy stool, upset stomach, nausea, dehydration, and weight loss. Some cases are asymptomatic.

Transmission: Transmission can occur by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, or it can also be transmitted from person-to-person through the fecal-oral route.

Treatment: Certain antibiotics and anti-parasitics are effective forms of treatment.

Prevention: Prevention methods include proper hand hygiene and avoiding drinking untreated water.

7.1.2 Demographics



Race Rate per 100k
Asian, Non Hispanic 8.9
Black or African American, Non Hispanic <5 cases
Hispanic or Latino 8.6
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Non Hispanic <5 cases
Other Race, Non Hispanic <5 cases
Unknown Race and Ethnicity <5 cases
White, Non Hispanic 8.3
American Indian or Alaska Native, Non Hispanic <5 cases
Two or More Races, Non Hispanic <5 cases


Rates for American Indian or Alaska Native, Non Hispanic, Black or African American, Non Hispanic, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, Non Hispanic, Other Race, Non Hispanic, Two or More Races, Non Hispanic, and Unknown Race and Ethnicity are not displayed due to low case counts.


7.1.3 Outbreaks

No outbreaks were identified in 2023.

7.1.4 Monthly and Historical Comparisons



Data for Utah and the CDC were retrieved from the CDC’s Notifiable Infectious Disease Data Tables.

7.2 Key Things to Know

  • The median duration of illness was 18 days.
  • 46 cases (40%) reported a water exposure, which includes natural water sources and pools.
  • 107 cases (92%) reported diarrhea, 42 cases (36%) reported vomiting, and 42 cases (36%) reported weight loss.
  • 33 cases (28%) were co-infected with another enteric disease.
  • 10 cases (9%) were co-infected with HIV.
  • 18 cases (16%) reported foreign travel as a risk factor.
  • The most reported location for foreign travel was Mexico. 23% of the cases who reported travel (5/18) reported visiting Mexico.
  • 7 cases (6%) were recent immigrants.