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Clostridium difficile, also known as C-diff, is a germ that can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Most cases of C-diff infections occur in patients taking antibiotics.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or tenderness, and nausea.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or tenderness, and nausea.
Spread
C-diff is spread through direct person-to-person contact, usually by hand-to-hand contact, or from contact with environmental surfaces that have been contaminated with the live bacteria or spores. Some people who have C. diff never become ill; however, they can spread the infection. The illness usually develops during or shortly after a course of antibiotics. Signs and symptoms may develop within a few days to a few months after taking antibiotics.
Spread
C-diff is spread through direct person-to-person contact, usually by hand-to-hand contact, or from contact with environmental surfaces that have been contaminated with the live bacteria or spores. Some people who have C. diff never become ill; however, they can spread the infection. The illness usually develops during or shortly after a course of antibiotics. Signs and symptoms may develop within a few days to a few months after taking antibiotics.
Contagious Period
Contagious Period
As long as infectious germs are present in the stool, a person can be a possible source of disease spread.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Until diarrhea has stopped, no fever is present.
Causes
C-diff bacteria are found throughout the environment, in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and food products such as processed meats. A small number of healthy people naturally carry the bacteria in their large intestine and do not have ill effects from the infection.
Causes
C-diff bacteria are found throughout the environment, in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and food products such as processed meats. A small number of healthy people naturally carry the bacteria in their large intestine and do not have ill effects from the infection.
Incubation
Unknown; symptoms usually occur five to 10 days after the start of antibiotics, but can be up to 10 weeks after antibiotics are completed.
Incubation
Unknown; symptoms usually occur five to 10 days after the start of antibiotics, but can be up to 10 weeks after antibiotics are completed.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Frequent, careful hand washing by child care staff, children and household members after using the bathroom and before each meal.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then disinfect contaminated areas (diapering area, toilets, potty chairs) and sanitize toys at least daily and when soiled.
Launder soiled linens using the hottest water that is safe for the items and use chlorine bleach if the items can be washed in it. You may need to rinse the item thoroughly before washing if the item is visibly soiled. Consider wearing gloves while laundering and remember to carefully wash your hands afterward.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
C. Diff.pdf
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