Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen has been closed by the Hywel Dda health board following an outbreak of crusted scabies. This rare and highly contagious form of the illness necessitates the ward's closure to manage the situation in line with established infection prevention and control procedures.
All patients and staff identified as contacts have been notified and offered treatment, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms. Crusted scabies, formerly known as Norwegian scabies, is characterized by a "scaly rash and thickened crusts of skin, external" that contain a large number of mites. While it can be associated with reduced immunity, this is not always the case.
The health board has implemented enhanced infection prevention and control measures on the affected ward. These measures include intensified monitoring, treatment for identified contacts, and ongoing support from specialist teams. Officials noted a general increase in scabies cases within the areas overseen by the health board, which include Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion, contributing to the hospital outbreak.
The ward will remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen, following current infection prevention and control guidance. The situation is under continuous review.