Diarrhea that lasts more than two days for an adult or more than 24 hours in children should be seen by a healthcare provider. Other symptoms that warrant medical care when accompanying diarrhea include signs of dehydration, a fever of 102 degrees F or higher, frequent vomiting, six or more episodes of loose stools in 24 hours, severe abdominal or rectal pain, stools that are black and tarry, or blood or pus in the stools.