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Diarrhea is an increased number of stools compared with a person’s normal pattern, along with watery stools, and/or decreased stool form. Uncontrolled diarrhea is diarrhea that cannot be contained by the diaper or use of the toilet. Infectious diarrhea often is a symptom of infection caused by germs such as bacteria, parasites, or viruses.
Symptoms
Frequent watery or loose stools. Diarrhea may contain blood and/or mucus. May also have headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and fever.
Symptoms
Frequent watery or loose stools. Diarrhea may contain blood and/or mucus. May also have headache, muscle aches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and fever.
Spread
Germs leave the body through the stool of an infected person and enter another person when hands, food or objects contaminated with stool, are placed in the mouth. Diarrhea may also be spread by visiting sites with animals or swimming in contaminated water.
Spread
Germs leave the body through the stool of an infected person and enter another person when hands, food or objects contaminated with stool, are placed in the mouth. Diarrhea may also be spread by visiting sites with animals or swimming in contaminated water.
Contagious Period
As long as infectious germs are present in the stool, a person can be a possible source of disease spread.
Contagious Period
As long as infectious germs are present in the stool, a person can be a possible source of disease spread.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care: Until 24 hours after diarrhea has stopped. If the diagnosis is known, see the organism fact sheet.
School: None, unless the child is not feeling well and needs to use the bathroom frequently. Exclusion may be necessary during outbreaks.
Food Service Worker: Staff with diarrhea should be restricted from working in food service. Call your local health department to determine how these apply.
Causes
Causes
Many bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause diarrhea. Some examples are:
Bacteria: Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7
Viruses: Norovirus, Rotavirus
Parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium
Incubation
Incubation
Varies by germ. It may take from one day to four weeks (sometimes longer) from exposure until symptoms develop.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
When experiencing diarrhea, avoid entering recreational water sources, including entering lakes, pools, splash pads, water parks, or hot tubs.
Daycare, School, and LTCF: Individual cases are not reportable to NKY Health. If more than one unrelated case occurs, please contact NKY Health.
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness
Provider: Individual cases are not reportable to the NKY Health. If more than one unrelated case occurs, please contact the NKY Health.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Diarrhea.pdf
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