Introduction

Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes Traveller's diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Other symptoms of dysentery can include:

  • painful stomach cramps
  • nausea or vomiting
  • a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above, or 37.5C (99.5F) or above in children under five

In the UK, most people with dysentery only experience mild symptoms. It's not always necessary to see a GP, as it tends to clear up within a week or so.

See your GP if your symptoms are severe or don't start to improve after a few days. Let them know if you have been abroad recently.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 26 Sep 2016