NHS Lothian said the situation is under investigation.
The affected ward has been closed to new admissions.(Image: Ken Jack/Getty Images)
Patients at a Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh ward have been struck down with suspected norovirus. The infection, known as the winter vomiting bug, has affected some inpatients staying on one of the wards.
Admissions to the ward have been stopped and NHS Lothian has confirmed an investigation is underway. Infection control procedures have also been introduced to limit the spread of the potentially serious infection.
However, visiting is still permitted. The health board explained it avoids blanket policies on restrictive visiting, and urged people not to visit their loved ones in hospital if they have diarrhoea, vomiting or are feeling unwell.
Information from Public Health Scotland states norovirus is very easily spread between people. Outbreaks where more than two people are affected are common in places where people are in close contact for long periods, such as hospitals, care homes and schools.
NHS Inform guidance says you are likely to have the bug if you experience:
Suddenly feeling sickProjectile vomitingWatery diarrhoea
Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms appear one to two days after you become infected and typically last for up to two or three days.
They advise staying at home until you feel better, and letting the virus run its course as there is no treatment. You should also drink plenty of fluids to avoid the risk of becoming dehydrated.
Alison MacDonald, Executive Nurse Director for NHS Lothian, said: “A small number of ward patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh are displaying symptoms of norovirus, a common infection also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’.
“While the situation is under investigation, as a precaution the ward has been closed to new admissions and enhanced infection control procedures are in place in line with current Scottish Government Guidance.
“In line with this guidance, NHS Lothian supports patient centred visiting and avoids blanket policies for restrictive visiting. We would remind all visitors not to visit family or friends in hospital if they are displaying symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea or feeling at all unwell.”