2024 Highlights
- Giardiasis was the most commonly reported waterborne disease with 792 cases, the highest number of cases observed since 2010.
- The 574 confirmed cryptosporidiosis cases reported in 2024 was the highest number of annual cryptosporidiosis cases ever reported in Minnesota.
- A record number of 171 cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported in 2024, and 22 (13%) cases died.
- The first outbreak of legionellosis associated with a non-disinfected community water system in Minnesota that started in 2023 concluded in 2024 with the chlorination of the water system; 34 total cases were associated with the outbreak.
Together, a total of 1,610 cases of cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporiasis, giardiasis, and Legionnaires’ disease were reported in 2024. These cases were part of 12 identified outbreaks, including 10 Cryptosporidium outbreaks and two Legionella outbreaks.
Waterborne disease can be severe, particularly Legionnaires’ disease. Ninety-six percent of Legionnaires’ disease cases were hospitalized in 2024 and 13% of cases died.
Person-to-person transmission of cryptosporidiosis continues to be of concern, particularly in childcare settings. Six outbreaks due to person-to-person transmission in childcare settings accounted for 38 cases (11 laboratory-confirmed) in 2024.
