A Welsh hospital ward has been forced to close following an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of the illness. Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen is currently closed to all admissions and transfers while infection prevention and control procedures are implemented.
Outbreak Identified and Response Initiated
Norwegian scabies, also known as crusted scabies, was identified on the ward. According to the NHS, crusted scabies causes a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands, and feet, and commonly occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems. The health board stated that all patients and staff identified as contacts have been informed and offered treatment, including those without symptoms.
Additional infection prevention and control measures have been introduced, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts, and ongoing support from specialist teams. The health board emphasised that this approach is standard practice to reduce the risk of further transmission.
Community Prevalence Contributing to Hospital Outbreaks
Health bosses noted an increased prevalence of scabies within the communities overseen by Hywel Dda—Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire—which is contributing to hospital outbreaks. The situation is being kept under review, and the ward will reopen in line with infection control guidance when it is safe to do so.
A full statement from Hywel Dda University Health Board read: "Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital is currently closed to admissions and transfers while we manage a scabies outbreak on the ward, in line with established infection prevention and control procedures. Following the identification of Norwegian scabies on the ward, all patients and staff identified as contacts have been informed and offered treatment, regardless of whether they have symptoms. This approach is standard practice and is intended to reduce the risk of further transmission. Support and advice has been made available through our Infection Prevention and Control team and we are working closely with partners to manage the situation. Additional infection prevention and control measures have been implemented on the ward, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts and ongoing support from specialist teams. There is currently an increased prevalence of scabies within the community across the Hywel Dda area, which is a contributory factor in hospital outbreaks. The situation will be kept under review, and the ward will reopen in line with infection prevention and control guidance when it is safe to do so."
