Hospital bans visitors amid outbreak of highly contagious Victorian disease

Hospital bans visitors amid outbreak of highly contagious Victorian disease Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, has restricted visitors and closed several wards since Sunday following an outbreak of scabies A Welsh hospital has restricted visitors and closed several wards following an outbreak of scabies. Wards at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, have been closed and visitors restricted since Sunday because of the outbreak, Hywel Dda University Health Board said. The NHS says scabies is a common skin condition caused by a microscopic mite that can affect people of all ages. It is highly contagious and can spread through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or shared bedding or clothing, but it is not usually associated with serious illness and can be treated effectively. "A number of scabies cases are currently being managed in healthcare and community settings across the Hywel Dda area," which covers Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, as well as Carmarthenshire, the health board said. The risk to the wider public remains "low", it added. Patients with planned appointments at the hospital may also be affected by the restrictions, and health bosses said they would contact those affected "as soon as possible". Sharon Daniel, executive director of nursing, quality and patient experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said on Sunday: "We have taken the decision to restrict visitors to Prince Philip Hospital today to limit the spread of scabies on our site and in our community. "A number of wards are currently closed due to infection and we need the support and understanding of our communities to limit further spread. "We are taking direct action to treat patients, staff, and contacts, and undertake deep cleaning of our wards, in line with infection prevention control measures. "Scabies is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate and we are grateful to everyone for their continued support. We will be contacting individuals whose planned care appointments may be impacted by this as soon as possible. This does not impact services provided by the minor injury unit." In July, a ward at another Carmarthenshire hospital, Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, was closed following an outbreak of scabies, Wales Online reports.