Diarrhea

Report to health unit if 20% or more of children and/or staff are affected. (tel: 705-267-1181 or fax: 705-360-7324)

Incubation period varies:

• Campylobacter 1-10 days
• E. coli 2-10 days 
• Salmonellosis 6-72 hours
• Shigellosis 1-3 days
• Giardiasis 3-25 days 

Signs and symptoms:

Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramps, fever, loss of appetite and blood and/or mucus in bowel movement.

How it is spread:

Ingestion of contaminated food or water; also spread from person to person on contaminated hands or objects.

Contagious period:

Varies depending on which bacteria are found in the stool. Usually while symptoms persist. Carriers without symptoms may transmit disease. 

Exclusion guidelines:

Exclude until stool returns to normal and symptoms are gone for a minimum of 24 hours or as otherwise directed by the Health Unit. Negative stool cultures are not required unless an outbreak occurs. Shigella requires 2 successive negative stool cultures, 24 hours apart and at least 24 hours after cessation of symptoms. 

What can be done:

Thorough hand washing is extremely important in reducing the spread, especially after toilet use.