Signs and symptoms-Most infections cause watery and loose stools for several days. In more severe cases there are fever, headaches, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and urgent diarrhea.
Prevention
The key to preventing the spread of disease is good hand washing with soap and warm water. Be sure to wash your hands as follows:
- After diaper changes
- After using the toilet yourself
- After helping your child to use the toilet
- Before preparing or eating food
Diagnosis
Culturing of stool specimens is needed to diagnose their infection.
Treatment
The infection is treated with antibiotics. If you suspect that you have this infection, see your doctor.
Should affected people be isolated or excluded from school or work?-Since the germ is passed in the feces of an infected person, people with active diarrhea or those who are unable to control their bowel habits should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school when their diarrhea ceases, provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, children in day care and health care workers must obtain the approval of the local health department before returning to their routine activities.