An outbreak of norovirus has closed a ward at the north’s biggest hospital.
NHS Highland has confirmed that six patients on Ward 2C at Raigmore in Inverness have contracted the winter vomiting bug.
Staff have been dealing with several cases of sickness and diarrhoea and tests have shown that norovirus is present.
The ward is currently closed to new admissions and visitors are being asked not to visit the ward unless it is an emergency.
Norovirus is extremely infectious and spreads through the air where someone has been sick or had diarrhoea.
Dr Chin Lim, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “By restricting visiting to the affected area it helps hospital staff protect the health, privacy and dignity of our patients.
“We would also ask that people do not come to the hospital to visit if they have, or live with someone who has, had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours.
“By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.
“Hospital staff will of course be very happy to talk to visitors on the phone so they can get updates on how their relatives are.”
Anyone who feels that visiting is essential should contact the ward first by phone before going to Raigmore.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor.
NHS Highland said the best course of action was generally to stay at home to avoid spreading the bug and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
Norovirus, although known as the winter vomiting bug, can occur year round and continually changes, meaning people don’t develop immunity and there is no vaccine.
Raigmore has had repeated problems with the bug in the last year, with NHS Highland taking the unprecedented step of closing the hospital to all visitors in April last year after more than 30 patients showed symptoms.
Ward 2C was one of the worst affected during the closure, with as many as 17 patients suffering from norovirus.