Norovirus suspected at Stornoway's Western Isles Hospital
Patients at the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway have been struck by suspected cases of the norovirus winter vomiting bug.
NHS Western Isles said "medical ward two" at the hospital had been closed to new admissions and visitors as a precaution until further notice.
The health board said norovirus had not been confirmed at this stage.
It said the bug's symptoms, which include nausea and diarrhoea, usually pass after a few days.
NHS Western Isles infection control manager, Jennifer Macdonald, said: "The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands.
"As the infection is so contagious, we would urge members of the public to ensure they follow infection control practices, and good hand hygiene is key to preventing the spread of infection."