Several more patients have shown symptoms of the winter vomiting bug norovirus at the north’s main hospital.
A medical ward remains in lock-down after nine patients exhibited symptoms of the virus, which causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting.
A number of staff from the hospital have also been affected and they are recovering at home.
Tests have confirmed that two of the affected patients’ symptoms have been caused by the norovirus bug.
The outbreak was first reported late last week and ward 6C has been closed to new admissions since then.
Visitors are being asked to keep visiting to an absolute minimum while staff deal with the vomiting bug.
A senior doctor at the hospital has urged concerned relatives to get in touch with ward staff by phone rather than attempting to visit the ward.
Patients will not be transferred out of Ward 6C until they have shown no symptoms for 48 hours.
The virus spreads in the air where someone has had diarrhoea or vomited and is extremely difficult to contain.
Dr Jonty Mills, consultant microbiologist for NHS Highland, said: “As well as restricting visiting to the affected wards we are also asking people not to come to the hospitals to visit if they have had any vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours.
“By doing this we will be able to limit the spread as much as possible.
“Hospital staff will of course be very happy to talk to visitors on the phone so they can get updates on how their relatives are.”
NHS Highland have advised that there is no specific treatment for a norovirus infection and the best course of action is to relieve symptoms of any fever is to take take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
ANyone who thinks they may have the virus should wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
The health service are also asking people not to visit the hospital if someone they live with has shown signs of symptoms.