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Clostridium difficile, also known as C.diff, is type of bacteria that can attack the intestines and cause a condition known as Clostridium difficile colitis. C.diff symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
C.diff infections affect as many as 250,000 people each year and cause approximately 14,000 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
The most at risk are older adults and children who are on antibiotics or staying at a healthcare facility for an extended period of time. Other risk factors include diseases of the colon, a weakened immune system, kidney disease and more.
If you or someone you know has suffered a C.diff infection as a result of healthcare negligence, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can review your case and help you recover compensation for damages.
Contact Gordon & Partners at 1 (855) 722-2552 or fill out the contact form to your right to get started on your claim.
Clostridium difficile Outbreaks
C.diff spores can live outside the body for an extended period of time and can be found on bed linens, bed rails and medical equipment. C.diff can spread from person-to-person, which is why it is important that healthcare providers follow all sanitation procedures.
A search of public hospital-acquired infection records on medicare.gov yields dozens of observed cases of C.diff in a number of Florida hospitals. In Palm Beach County, there were more than 150 observed cases reported between July 2012 and June 2013, while in Broward County more than 300 observed cases were in the report.
C.diff Symptoms
Although some people carry the bacterium in their intestines and never become ill, they can still spread the infection. C.diff symptoms can range from mild to severe, and include:
- Watery diarrhea, up to a dozen times a day
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in the stool
C.diff can be diagnosed by stool specimens tested for toxins. Doctors will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection, however, in about 25 percent of cases, two rounds of antibiotics are needed to clear the infection.
Contact our Florida medical malpractice attorneys
Proper sterilization of medical instruments, hand washing by hospital staff, liberal use of antiseptic solutions, and other measures can help prevent hospital infections. What you have suffered is a terrible tragedy and something no one should ever have to endure when receiving medical care.
At Gordon & Partners, we understand how frustrating these situations can be, we’re ready to help you and your family fight for the compensation they deserve today.
Schedule a free evaluation of your claim now: Contact us online or call 1 (855) 722-2552 to get started.
