How does the World Health Organization define acute diarrhea?

• A. Less than 7 days in duration
• B. Less than 14 days in duration
• C. 14 days or longer in duration
• D. More than 30 days in duration

Answer: (B)

The key point is how the duration of symptoms defines the category. The World Health Organization sets acute diarrhea as a diarrheal episode that lasts a short time, up to about two weeks. This means the best choice describes a duration that ends before the 14-day mark. If diarrhea lasts 14 days or longer, it’s considered persistent rather than acute. The other options either cut the window too short, include the exact 14-day threshold, or refer to much longer durations that are not classified as acute.