Two wards at Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) have been closed to new patients due to an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug (norovirus).
NHS Tayside confirmed that wards three and six will not be open as a ”precautionary measure” to prevent the spread of the virus.
There was a similar outbreak in January at Murray Royal Hospital in Perth, and the Tay ward at PRI was temporarily closed in February.
It was established that NHS Tayside had the second highest rate of the winter vomiting bug in Scotland last year, with norovirus infections more than doubled in comparison to the previous year.
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said: ”Winter vomiting is extremely common at this time of year in the wider community. To help us minimise the spread of these bugs we ask people who may be feeling unwell or experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea not to visit their friends and family members who are in hospital. We would urge them to stay away until at least 48 hours after they are free of all symptoms.
”The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course.
“It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Most people make a full recovery within one to two days.”