An eighth patient at a Highland hospital has contracted the Clostridium difficile bug.

NHS Highland declared an outbreak last week at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness after seven patients came down with the infection.

One ward with four patients remains closed to new admissions or transfers. Three other patients have already been discharged.

One patient, who was admitted as an emergency case and was seriously ill, died of an existing medical condition shortly after being admitted. NHS Highand said they had already contracted C.diff from the community.

The bacterium, which causes diarrhoea and high temperatures, can be spread by poor hygiene and in the faeces.

It is a particular concern for hospitals because patients on strong antibiotics have a higher risk of infection.

Dr Emma Watson, Lead Infection, Prevention, and Control doctor for NHS Highland, said the risk to patients, visitors and staff remained minimal.

She said: "We are continuing to monitor the situation very closely and are taking all necessary actions.

"We believe the recent patient was most likely infected before the outbreak was declared."

Extra steps are being taken to enforce  hand hygiene measures and the frequency of routine cleaning has been increased.

NHS Highland said the number of cases confirmed in January is "higher than would be expected".

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• C.diff outbreak closes hospital ward