Shigellosis
Shigellosis is an illness caused by infection by bacteria of the genus Shigella IStock

18 children and pre-school children in Surrey are confirmed to have contracted Shigellosis.

The winter vomiting bug, otherwise known as bacillary dysentery, is common amongst children but adults can also be infected.

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The highly infectious disease is caused by a specific group of bacteria called shigella and symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramping, fever and nausea.

According to the Mirror, parents of children at a school in the Guildford and Woking area were sent letters warning them of the outbreak.

The letter states: 'We are aware of a number of families where older children and adults have also been affected'.

While Shingellosis is rarely serious, there is no cure and symptoms can last up to a week. Doctors advise drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and not to take anti-diarrhoea medications as they can exacerbate symptoms.

Over the counter painkillers can relieve the pain and reduce a high temperature.