'Highly contagious' disease outbreak confirmed at Swansea hospital as warning issued

'Highly contagious' disease outbreak confirmed at Swansea hospital as warning issued Swansea's Morriston Hospital has imposed visiting restrictions following an outbreak of scabies An outbreak of scabies has sparked emergency action at a UK hospital. "A small number" of cases of the Victorian disease were identified at Swansea's Morriston Hospital, with visiting restrictions now in place. Swansea Bay University Health Board said families have been informed of the outbreak. A statement added that the appropriate treatment will be provided to patients. A spokesman for Swansea Bay University Health Board, which covers Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, said: "The health board can confirm a small number of scabies cases at Morriston Hospital. "Families have been informed and appropriate treatment or guidance has been provided to patients, staff, and relatives. Some visiting restrictions are in place, and we are grateful to relatives for their understanding. "If anyone has concerns that they might have scabies, they can get advice from their local pharmacy or GP." This comes after another outbreak was recorded at Prince Philip Hpspital in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, last month. Just under two weeks ago, Hywel Dda Health Board, which covers the west of Wales, also confirmed it was managing "a scabies outbreak" on the Cadog and Dewi Wards at Glangwili General Hospital. On October 20, the health board said: "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. The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, visitors and staff is our priority. "We are following national guidance and have taken additional steps to reduce the risk of infection spreading." The health board has not commented on the outbreak since but its website reads: "A number of scabies cases are currently being managed in healthcare and community settings across the Hywel Dda area." A ward at Glangwili Hopsital was also affected by an outbreak of a rare and highly contagious form of scabies called crusted scabies in July, Wales Online reports. The NHS describes scabies as an itchy rash caused by mites, which is spread through close skin contact. It adds that "anyone can get it" and "should be treated quickly to stop it spreading". Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, and a raised rash or spots. The NHS website states: "The spots may look red. They are more difficult to see on brown or black skin, but you should be able to feel them." The rash can appear anywhere but is common between fingers and usually spreads across the whole body. It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom. Older people and young children may develop a rash on their head, neck, palms and soles of their feet, the NHS adds.