MEDizzy - You are seeing a 6-month-old boy whose mother reports that

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Acute Complaints

You are seeing a 6-month-old boy whose mother reports that he has had diarrhea for almost 2 weeks. He has had four to six bowel movements a day, with a loose to liquid consistency. His mother stays at home with him and the child is not in day care. His symptoms began after his young cousins visited for Christmas. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his diarrhea?

ExplanationAcute diarrhea is defined as an increased number or decreased consistency of stool lasting 14 days or less. Most acute diarrhea is due to infection and usually occurs after the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or direct person-to-person contact. Viral infections account for 70% to 80% of acute infectious diarrhea, with rotavirus being the most frequent cause. Enteric adenoviruses are the second most common type. Rotavirus occurs in the winter months, and most cases occur between the ages of 3 months and 2 years. Contaminated water, salads, or shellfish may transmit Norwalk virus. Giardiasis is less common in the general population, but may be more prevalent in children in daycare centers. Salmonella is generally due to raw or undercooked meat, and enterotoxigenic E coli is the most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea.