HEALTH bosses say Dorset residents have ‘nothing to fear’ over a highly contagious bug.

Public Health England South West (PHE) said no cases of Shigellosis, which causes chronic diarrhoea or dysentery, nausea, fever and stomach cramps, have been reported in the county.

A spokesman for the organisation said it has affected three schools in Stoke-on-Trent with five confirmed cases of the condition but added it is 'very unusual' and Dorset has 'nothing to fear.'

Shigellosis infection is a highly contagious diarrhoea caused by Shigella bacteria.

The bacteria, which causes dysentery, can be passed in faeces or spread from an infected person to contaminate food or water, or directly to another person.

It is most likely to spread if people don’t wash their hands after going to the toilet.

However often it displays symptoms similar to the winter vomiting bug norovirus.

Nick Phin, National Infection Service Deputy Director, for PHE said: “Cases of norovirus are still at the levels that we would expect to see around this time of year in the winter vomiting bug season. Exactly when the peaks in activity occur can vary season to season. Those who get infected with norovirus will usually make a full recovery within one to two days. However, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or elderly. Good hygiene is essential to preventing infection, this includes thorough hand washing after using the toilet and before eating or preparing foods.”

Health officials said if people have diarrhoea and vomiting they should not prepare food for others and they should avoid visiting GP surgeries, care homes and hospitals if they have symptoms.

If anyone is concerned they should contact NHS 111 or talk to their GP by phone.