Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes mild to severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It is the most frequent cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Canada. Most cases occur in patients who are taking certain antibiotics in high doses and over a prolonged period of time.
More information about Clostridium difficile |
Reporting |
Individual cases not reportable to the Health Unit. See the Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1, linked below for notification thresholds in hospital settings. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have Clostridium difficile? |
Schools and Childcare Centres should exclude children:
It is not necessary to have a negative Clostridium difficile stool test to return to school or childcare. Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers and food handlers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.