NHS Western Isles is warning members of the public to take precautions against the norovirus bug this winter.
Specifically, they are advising that people should take extra care when visiting friends and family in hospital.
With cases of the vomiting bug confirmed across several parts of Scotland, it is vital that members of the public play their part to help prevent them catching or spreading the infection to others.
Medical ward 2A at Raigmore Hospital was recently closed to new admissions and restricted visiting was put in place after a screening test confirmed one case of norovirus at the end of last month.
The ward reopened within three days when tests gave the all clear.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. The first sign of it is usually a sudden sick feeling, followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Symptoms usually last a couple of days, although this can be longer in elderly people.
People are most likely to spread infection when they have symptoms, and for up to 48 hours after the symptoms have gone.
It is more serious and even more easily spread among people who are already ill.
Visitors to hospitals and care homes in the Western Isles are therefore specifically being asked to wash their hands with soap and water before and after visiting, and to ‘stay at home’ if they have experienced any norovirus symptoms for 48 hours after they last felt ill.
Those with symptoms should also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, keep their hands clean and avoid cooking for others.