Raigmore ward closes due to norovirus
Two tested positive so far for the virus.
A medical ward at Raigmore Hospital has closed to new admissions, with visitors being asked to keep visiting to an absolute minimum while staff deal with several cases of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Ward 2A was closed to new admissions on the 1st of December and has six patients currently affected with symptoms. Three patients have tested positive for norovirus.
The virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely infectious.
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 48hrs. 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.”
There is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and it is not usually necessary to visit a doctor. The best course of action is to stay at home and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. People should also adhere to strict hand washing techniques to reduce the spread of the virus.