Two wards at Glangwili General Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales, have been closed to visitors and new admissions following an outbreak of scabies, a contagious skin condition caused by parasitic mites. The closure affects the Cadog and Dewi Wards, with Hywel Dda Health Board confirming the measure as a precaution.
Hospital Response and Precautionary Measures
Hywel Dda Health Board announced the ward closure on its website, stating: “We are currently managing a scabies outbreak on the Cadog and Dewi Wards at Glangwili General Hospital.” The statement added: “As a precaution, the wards are temporarily closed to new admissions and visitors from today, Tuesday 20 October. The situation is being reviewed regularly and the risk to the wider public remains low.”
This is not the first such incident at the hospital. In July, the Steffan Ward was also closed following another scabies outbreak.
Understanding Scabies and Its Symptoms
Scabies is caused by eight-legged mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs. The condition was common during the Victorian era, when people used sulphur-based preparations to combat the parasite. Symptoms include intense itching and blotchy red rashes, which can become crusty and flaky, often affecting the elbows, knees, feet, hands, and the skin between fingers and wrists. The rash can spread to other areas such as the armpits, waist, groin, and bottom, and in severe cases may lead to secondary bacterial infections.
The UK Health Security Agency states: “Scabies is a parasitic infection of the skin caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which buries into the skin and causes intense itching and rashes. Transmission from person to person occurs through close physical contact including, but not exclusively, sexual contact.”
Treatment and Guidance
Scabies does not resolve without treatment, and while it is not usually a serious condition, it must be addressed. Anyone diagnosed with scabies should begin treatment promptly, and all household members should be treated simultaneously, even if they show no symptoms.
The NHS advises: “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.” Adults and children aged five years or over can return to work or school once treatment has started, but should avoid close contact with others for the first 24 hours. Children under five can return to nursery or pre-school 24 hours after the first treatment.
