Anirban Das

Infectious diarrhea specifically is caused by one of 3 things: bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Though the words "contagious" and "infectious" might also additionally frequently be used interchangeably, they may be not precisely the identical thing. Contagious diseases are spread by contact (typically person to person), whilst infectious diseases are spread by infectious agents. That means, whilst diseases which can be contagious also are infectious, not all infectious agents are always contagious. Viruses in particular are the most common motive of diarrhea that may be handed among people (think: when a person neglects to clean their hands after the usage of the bathroom after which touches a commonly-used surface). According to MedlinePlus and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the maximum common viruses which could cause diarrhea include:

• Norovirus
• Rotavirus (in children)
• Influenza

Of course, that is not an exhaustive listing of viral reasons of diarrhea. According to the Mayo Clinic, adenoviruses, astrovirus, cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis also are recognized causes of diarrhea. Norovirus especially is infamous for contagious diarrhea—in particular on cruise ships (or different conditions wherein human beings stay in close quarters), says Lisa Ganjhu, DO, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone.

Bacteria, too, can cause diarrhea. While many forms of bacteria that cause infectious diarrhea stem from consuming infected meals, it is possible for people inflamed with the bacteria to spread it to others. According to the NIDDK, the most common forms of bacteria which could cause diarrhea include:

Campylobacter
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Salmonella
Shigella
Parasitic infections also can be the root cause of a few cases of contagious diarrhea. Though they may be a less common than viral infections, the NIDDK says the subsequent parasites which could cause infectious diarrhea include:

Cryptosporidium enteritis
Entamoeba histolytica
Giardia lamblia

Obviously, not all times of diarrhea are contagious. Most frequently, while diarrhea is continual or lasts for a prolonged period of time, it indicates underlying troubles or diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), meals intolerances, or medications.

In that case, the most important indicator that your diarrhea is contagious is that it comes on quickly, instead of being an expected part of your life. Acute diarrhea, as it is called, is nearly constantly contagious. "So things like that can clue you in — it comes on all of a sudden, you've been around someone sick, recently traveled, or ate spoiled food," Dr. Newberry says.