NHS Western Isles is reminding members of the public to take precautions as the norovirus, commonly known as the "winter vomiting bug", is currently circulating and increasing within the community and healthcare settings.

Surgical Ward in Western Isles Hospital, Stornoway, is currently closed to new admissions until further notice following a small number of confirmed cases of the highly-contagious norovirus.

Visiting to Surgical Ward is now restricted to essential visiting only.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from person to person. It is one of the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhoea and can be particularly dangerous for older people, those who are frail, and people with underlying health conditions.

Symptoms typically include sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea, often accompanied by stomach cramps, headache, aching limbs and a mild fever. It is usually spread through close contact with someone who is infected, contaminated surfaces, or contaminated food.

An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been established at the hospital and is overseeing the response to ensure all necessary infection prevention and control measures are implemented and monitored.

The public is being urged to stay away from hospitals and care homes if they have symptoms of norovirus, or if they have recently been unwell.

Only essential visitors are allowed onto the Surgical Ward. These are visitors whose presence is important to a patient's care, wellbeing or support, including relatives of patients receiving end-of-life care, parents of children in hospital, and carers supporting vulnerable patients.

Frances Robertson, Nurse and AHP Director/Chief Operating Officer, NHS Western Isles, said: "Norovirus spreads very easily and can have a significant impact on vulnerable patients and residents in hospitals and care homes. We are asking everyone to help protect those most at risk by staying away from healthcare and care settings if they have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea.

"If you become unwell, please stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid contact with others as much as possible. Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the virus spreading."

NHS Western Isles is advising anyone experiencing symptoms to:

* Stay at home and avoid contact with others where possible.

* Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

* Wash hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

* Avoid preparing food for others while unwell.

* Do not visit hospitals and care homes until at least 48 hours after symptoms have completely stopped, as people can continue to spread the virus after they begin to feel better.

The Health Board is also asking people not to visit patients in hospital or residents in care homes if they are experiencing symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea or have had symptoms within the previous 48 hours.

Anyone concerned about their symptoms, or who is unable to keep fluids down, should seek advice from NHS 24 on 111 or contact their GP practice.