Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile), also known as “C. difficile”, is a bacteria (germ) that can cause diarrhea. Most cases of C. difficile infection occur in people who are taking antibiotics. The most common symptoms of infection include: watery diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, belly pain and tenderness. C. difficile infection can spread from person to person on contaminated equipment, the hands of healthcare providers and visitors.
CDC Patient Information: Clostridium difficile
Washington State law (RCW 43.40.56) requires acute care hospitals licensed by the Department of Health to report C. difficile identified by a lab test.
Visit our HAI Reports page to review Washington hospitals' Clostridioides difficile LabID event reporting.