A ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales, has been temporarily closed following an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious variant of the Victorian-era disease that has seen rising cases across the UK.
Ward Closure and Response
Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital will remain closed to control the outbreak "in line with established infection prevention and control procedures," according to Hywel Dda University Health Board. The health board confirmed that patients and staff identified as contacts have been offered treatment, including those displaying no symptoms, as reported by the Express.
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," BBC Wales reported.
What Is Scabies?
According to the NHS website, "scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It's spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading." Symptoms include severe itching, particularly at night, and a raised rash or spots that may appear red. The NHS notes that "scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck. It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom."
People with weakened immune systems can sometimes develop a rare and very contagious type called crusted scabies. "The main symptom is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet," the NHS clarified. Scabies spreads through close skin contact, including sexual contact, but cannot be caught from pets.
Risk Factors and Guidance
Those living or working closely together in nurseries, university halls of residence, or nursing homes are at higher risk. Adults and children aged 5 years or over can return to work or school as soon as they have started treatment, but should avoid close contact with others for the first 24 hours.
