5 things you need to know about Clostridium Difficile

An outbreak of Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) in Ontario has raised alarm bells.

Twenty people have died in southern Ontario since the outbreak was declared in May, and Ontario’s acting chief medical officer, Dr. David Williams, says it could take weeks before outbreaks at seven Ontario hospitals are contained.

Late last week, the federal government sent in a “disease detective” or field epidemiologist to help with the outbreak, as the Ontario government has struggled to contain the spread of the disease.

Here are five things you need to know about C. diff:

(1) C. diff is a bacteria that can be found in feces. When C. diff grows it produces toxins that can damage the bowel.

(2) The main symptoms of C. diff are watery diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.

(3) C. diff typically occurs during or after the use of antibiotics. When antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your bowel C. diff is able to grow.

(4) C. diff spreads through contaminated stool, through surfaces like toilets, bedpans, and door handles.

(5) Proper washing of your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of C. diff. Other preventative measures include washing household surfaces with an all-purpose cleaner, and washing clothes and fabrics in soapy, hot water and dry using high heat.