An outbreak of norovirus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, is being investigated at Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline. 

NHS Fife is working Fife Council’s environmental health team and Health Protection Scotland to discover the source of the bug, which is also often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug'. 

Director of Public Health, Dr Margaret Hannah, said: "Norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea.

"Although it is unpleasant, the virus usually lasts only for a couple of days and with no lasting effects.

“Fife continues to see a higher prevalence of norovirus circulating in the wider community than would be expected at this time of year, with the virus most likely brought into the hotel by members of the wider community attending one of its various functions over recent weeks.

“The management of Garvock House Hotel have co-operated fully throughout and have taken all reasonable actions to prevent the onward spread of the virus.

“Good hand hygiene is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of norovirus, however, if you are unlucky enough to contract the virus then you can help to reduce further spread by remaining at home for 48 hours after your last episode of diarrhoea and vomiting.”

For more information on norovirus, visit NHS Inform – www.nhsinform.co.uk