Hospital wards forced to close after Victorian disease scabies outbreak spreads across country

Hospital wards forced to close after Victorian disease scabies outbreak spreads across country Scabies infections have been confirmed at hospital wards after patients were found to have been infected with the parasitic disease Hospital wards were forced to close after a Victorian-era infection spread across the country. A scabies outbreak was found at the Llewelyn Ward at Bronllys Hospital in Brecon, Powys. Restrictions were put on visitor numbers after a small number of patients were found to have been infected with the disease. The temporary ban was put in place as staff treated those struck down by the infection. Scabies is a skin rash that is spread easily via skin-to-skin contact. "Although the number of cases remains low, we have taken the protective decision to treat patients and staff on the ward to prevent any further spread," said Gareth Thomas, head of nursing for infection prevention and control at the hospital. Scabies is a common and treatable skin condition, and these measures are being implemented as a precaution to protect our patients, staff and visitors. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank patients, families and carers for their understanding and continued support during this time." More scabies outbreaks were confirmed in a number of residential homes in Wales, the university's health board said. A Hywel Dda University Health Board told The Western Telegraph: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities is our priority, and we want to keep people informed about the current situation regarding cases of scabies in some health and care settings in Carmarthenshire. "This is not widespread and it is confined to a small number of residential homes and a couple of our hospital wards." It comes after hospital wards at the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli were hit last month. They have since reopened with the exception of Mynydd Mawr Rehabilitation Unit, where restrictions remain in place. A statement on the website said: "We continue to see patients presenting to hospital with scabies acquired in the community, rather than cases necessarily being linked to the hospital outbreaks. "As a precaution, visitors who have an unexplained rash, itching or suspected/confirmed scabies should not visit until they have sought appropriate advice and completed any required treatment. The position at Mynydd Mawr Rehabilitation Unit will continue to be reviewed, with visiting restrictions lifted when it is appropriate to do so." What is Scabies? Scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites, according to the NHS. Anyone can get it and it should be treated quickly to prevent it spreading further. Symptoms of scabies includes: Intense itching, especially at night and a raised rash or spots. It typically affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. Thankfully, scabies is not a serious condition but it does need to be treated. A pharmacist will recommend a cream or lotion to apply over the body.