Hi there,
Thank you for choosing HCM for your query.
As you mentioned, your son has had a
low grade fever and a bowel movement which was black and slimy. And you are concerned about C. diff.
Since you have been in contact with patients who have had C. diff, and if you didnot gown and glove properly while dealing with those patients, then there is always a possibility of transmission of C. diff.
C.diff
colitis can cause symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps which may range from mild to severe in intensity, mucus like
diarrhea which is very foul smelling and occassional blood in stools.
There is a small likelihood of your son being affected with C.diff especially if you haven't been careful with hand hygiene.
The most worrisome sign for your son though is his BLACK STOOLS that you mentioned. Black stools can be caused by certain medications like
iron supplements, peptobismal, or some foods like blueberries or black licorice, or they may be a sign of an upper gastro-intestinal bleed.
If he has not taken any of the medications or foods mentioned, then he should be examined by his
pediatrician immediately and have his stool examined for occult blood. Your doctor will best guide you onto next step after his complete examination. Make sure you take a stool sample with you when you go to the doctor so that he can test it.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr. Sumeet.