Four wards across two Carmarthenshire hospitals have been closed due to an ongoing scabies outbreak that has persisted for months. Hywel Dda University Health Board, which manages healthcare in west Wales, confirmed on Friday that it is currently managing outbreaks on three wards at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen and one ward at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli.
The affected wards—Steffan, Cadog and Dewi at Glangwili, and Ward 9 at Prince Philip—are temporarily closed to new admissions and visitors as a result of the outbreak. The health board stated that the situation is being reviewed regularly and that the risk to the wider public remains low.
What is scabies?
According to the NHS, scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. The main symptoms are intense itching, especially at night, and/or a raised rash or spots on the skin. While the infestation is not usually associated with serious illness, it is highly contagious and normally spread through skin-to-skin contact or shared bedding or clothing.
The closures follow a series of earlier incidents. In July, a ward at Glangwili Hospital was shut due to scabies, followed by the closure of more wards. In September, visitors were told to stay away from Prince Philip Hospital while a number of wards were closed due to a “number of cases” of scabies. Further closures took place last month.
Health board response
Sharon Daniel, executive director of patient experience at the health board, said: “Additional infection prevention measures and a co-ordinated treatment programme are in place to protect patients, staff and visitors and help prevent further spread.
“Any patients who have recently been discharged from the wards have been contacted directly. The major hospital disruption has been contained and affected areas are under enhanced precautions and surveillance.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors and staff is our priority, and we remain alert because the transmission pathway crosses hospital, staff, community and care-home settings.
"We recognise that additional precautions can be inconvenient for patients and families and thank everyone for their understanding and co-operation. Should you have any concerns please contact the wards directly."
The health board also said that A&E departments at all its sites—Bronglais, Glangwili, and Withybush—are under significant pressure.
