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Shigella



Shigella infection causes diarrhoea and is caught from contact with the faeces (poo) of an infected person. You can pick up the bacteria if you drink water or swallow food that is contaminated with faecal matter. This isn't common in the UK and is often associated with overseas travel.

You can also pick up the bacteria if you get faecal matter in your mouth during sex - for instance, through rimming (licking) or fingering the anus.  Around half of shigellosis cases seen in the UK are caught this way. Gay and bisexual men are particularly at risk.

Roadworks that may affect your visit to Sexual Health Dorset @Bournemouth 20-31 October 2025

Please be advised road works are due to take place at Palmerston Road, from its junction with Gladstone Road West to its junction with Centenary Way (A35) from 20-31 October 2025.

Diversions will be in place so you will still be able to access the Sexual Health Dorset @Bournemouth building.

Further information can be found here: Notice near BH1 4HU, BH1 4HW and 1 more | Public Notice Portal.