What is the difference between diarrhea and dysentery?

Diarrhea refers to the increased frequency of passing loose and watery stools. Dysentery is a severe type of diarrhea that involves frequent passing of loose and watery stools containing blood and mucus. Dysentery occurs due to bacterial or parasitic infections of the colon.

What foods should I avoid to prevent dysentery?

Dysentery can be caused by eating contaminated food. You must avoid eating unhygienic foods from street vendors or foods that are raw and uncooked. While eating raw fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly and discard their peels before eating.

I am travelling to a country with poor sanitation. What care should I take?

If you are traveling to a country where sanitation is poor, make sure you drink only bottled water. If bottled water is not available, you may carry water purifying tablets and use them to purify the water. Do not consume ice in your drinks as it may be made from contaminated water. Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water. Eat only freshly cooked, hygienic food. Avoid raw salads or fresh fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled before eating. Also try to avoid roadside food and drinks which are not sealed.

When to seek medical care for dysentery?

Mild dysentery can be managed at home with supportive care. If you have severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, extreme weakness, excessive bouts of watery and bloody stools, you must seek medical care immediately.

If I have dysentery, will I pass it on to my family?

Your family may be at a higher risk of getting dysentery if you have the symptoms. However, if you practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you visit the toilet and clean the toilet regularly with a disinfectant, the chances of passing the infection to your family become low. Also make sure not to share towels or other personal items with your family. Your clothes should also be washed separately with hot water.

Dysentery

Written By Dr. Subita AlaghBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 24 Feb 2026 | 12:27 PM (IST)

Overview

Dysentery is a painful intestinal infection that causes loose and watery stools along with blood and mucus. It is a highly infectious disease that is caused by bacteria or parasites. Poor sanitation, poor hand hygiene, consuming food and water contaminated with fecal matter and various other factors increase the chances of contracting the disease.

WHO report states that 165 million episodes of dysentery are estimated to occur each year, with a higher prevalence in tropical or developing countries, especially among children. Dysentery is also a common factor of mortality in children below 5 years, but it can affect people of all ages.

Antibiotics and antiparasitics along with supportive care with fluids and electrolytes are used to treat dysentery. The infection is highly contagious and can easily spread from the infected person to others. Hence it is very essential to follow good hygiene measures to control its spread.

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