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NHS Highland says: "Clostridium difficile is a bacterium which particularly affects patients on strong antibiotics. It is a serious problem for hospitals because many patients are on antibiotics and are also already sick which makes them susceptible."

NHS Highland has declared an outbreak of Clostridium Difficile at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Health officials say they took the decision because seven cases of the superbug had been detected since the beginning of January.

Four people remain in Raigmore with the condition. They're said to have a "mild" form of the infection and are expected to recover fully.

A ward has been closed to reduce the chances of infecting new patients, a "small number" of surgeries have been cancelled, and hand-hygiene measures have been stepped up.

The hospital's Associate Medical Director, Dr Rod Harvey, says he's "disappointed" with the situation, but tells us it's being "closely monitored" and is "under control".

Anyone who's been a recent inpatient at Raigmore and is concerned about symptoms of diahorrhea is being told to contact NHS24 on 08454 24 24 24 or their own GP.