Glangwili Hospital ward closed after crusted scabies outbreak

Glangwili Hospital ward closed after crusted scabies outbreak

Following an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious skin condition, a hospital ward has been closed as a precautionary measure. The affected unit is Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, which will remain closed while health officials manage the situation according to established infection prevention and control protocols.

The Hywel Dda health board confirmed that all patients and staff who were identified as having contact with the outbreak have been notified and offered treatment, even if they are not showing any symptoms. Crusted scabies, previously referred to as Norwegian scabies, is characterized by a scaly rash and thickened crusts of skin that harbor thousands of mites. This condition can be linked to reduced immunity, although it does not exclusively affect those with weakened immune systems.

Additional infection control measures have been implemented on the ward to contain the outbreak. These steps include enhanced monitoring of the situation, comprehensive treatment for identified contacts, and ongoing support from specialist healthcare teams. The health board noted an increase in scabies cases across the region it serves, covering Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion, which has contributed to the occurrences of such outbreaks within hospital settings.

Authorities assured the public that the situation will continue to be closely monitored. They emphasized that Steffan Ward will only reopen once it is deemed safe and in accordance with infection prevention and control guidelines

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