Families across the country have been struck down by a nasty vomiting and diarrhoea bug.
That bug is called shigellosis or shigella and while anyone is susceptible to the infection, it's more common in young children than it is adults.
And now parents are being warned to be vigilant after an outbreak in both Ireland and the UK, the Coventry Telegraph reports .
What is shigellosis and what are the symptoms?
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella.
Among the nasty effects of shigella or shigellosis are
- Chronic diarrhoea
- Painful stomach cramps
- High temperature (fever)
The symptoms tend to last for around five to seven days and the diarrhoea can often lead to dehydration as well.
How is the bug spread?
It is spread through poor hygiene, for example not washing your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
Shigellosis can be passed from direct contact with someone infected, or from doorknobs and toilet handles that they have touched.
Most cases are spread through families and where people are in close contact, such as schools and work places.
What do you do if you have contracted the bug?
Shigella can be very unpleasant but is rarely serious.
Treatment is mainly with fluids to prevent or treat dehydration.
In cases where there is blood in the diarrhoea (dysentery), antibiotics are usually needed.
It's important that if a child develops Shigellosis symptoms, the family GP is contacted.
Children who have picked up the illness should stay at home for at least five days until tests show they are clear.
How can I reduce my risk of getting it?
Practising good hand-washing is key here. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or eating, after going to the toilet and after changing nappies.
If you have the infection, avoid preparing food for others and wash your hands frequently.
It is advisable to stay at home until you have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
What gets rid of the bug?
Medication is not usually needed as the bug goes away within five to seven days.
Occasionally, admission to hospital is needed if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop.
Medicines to reduce the diarrhoea (such as loperamide) should NOT be used if you have shigella. This is because they can make the symptoms worse.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen is useful to ease a high temperature (fever) or headache.