Scabies infections have forced the closure of a hospital ward in Wales, as outbreaks of the parasitic skin disease spread across the country. Restrictions on visitor numbers were introduced at Llewelyn Ward at Bronllys Hospital in Brecon, Powys, after a small number of patients were found to have been infected.
Ward closed as precautionary measure
The temporary ban was put in place while staff treated those affected. Scabies, a skin rash caused by mites, spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact. Gareth Thomas, head of nursing for infection prevention and control at the hospital, said: "Although the number of cases remains low, we have taken the protective decision to treat patients and staff on the ward to prevent any further spread."
"Scabies is a common and treatable skin condition, and these measures are being implemented as a precaution to protect our patients, staff and visitors. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank patients, families and carers for their understanding and continued support during this time."
Outbreaks in residential homes and other wards
More scabies outbreaks were confirmed in a number of residential homes in Wales, according to the health board. A Hywel Dda University Health Board spokesperson told The Western Telegraph: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities is our priority, and we want to keep people informed about the current situation regarding cases of scabies in some health and care settings in Carmarthenshire."
"This is not widespread and it is confined to a small number of residential homes and a couple of our hospital wards." The news follows an outbreak last month at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, where wards have since reopened, with the exception of Mynydd Mawr Rehabilitation Unit, where restrictions remain.
What is scabies?
A statement on the hospital website said: "We continue to see patients presenting to hospital with scabies acquired in the community, rather than cases necessarily being linked to the hospital outbreaks." Visitors with an unexplained rash, itching or suspected scabies are advised not to visit until they have sought advice and completed treatment.
Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites, according to the NHS. Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots, typically affecting skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. It is not serious but needs treatment, with pharmacists recommending a cream or lotion to apply over the body.
