Health board bosses say scabies is currently circulating in higher numbers in three parts of Wales
11:08, 10 Jul 2026Updated 11:08, 10 Jul 2026
Norwegian, or crusted scabies, has been identified at one Welsh hospital (Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne)
A Welsh hospital ward has been forced to close due an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of the illness. A health board said there has been an increased prevalence of scabies in three areas, which is contributing to the hospital outbreak.
Hywel Dda health board said Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, would be closed while it manages the outbreak “in line with established infection prevention and control procedures”. The ward is currently closed to all admissions and transfers.
It comes after Norweigian scabies, or crusted scabies, was identified on the ward. According to the NHS, crusted scabies causes crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet.
It often affects people with a weakened immune system.
The health board said all patients and staff identified as contacts had been informed and offered treatment, including those that do not have symptoms.
It added that additional infection prevention and control measures have been implemented, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts and ongoing support from specialist teams.
Health bosses explained that there has been an “increased prevalence” of scabies within communities Hywel Dda oversees, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, which are contributing to hospital outbreaks.
The situation is being kept under review, and Steffan Ward will reopen in line with infection control guidance when it is safe, the health board added.
A full statement from Hywel Dda University Health Board read:
“Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital is currently closed to admissions and transfers while we manage a scabies outbreak on the ward, in line with established infection prevention and control procedures.
“Following the identification of Norwegian scabies on the ward, all patients and staff identified as contacts have been informed and offered treatment, regardless of whether they have symptoms. This approach is standard practice and is intended to reduce the risk of further transmission.
“Support and advice has been made available through our Infection Prevention and Control team and we are working closely with partners to manage the situation. Additional infection prevention and control measures have been implemented on the ward, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts and ongoing support from specialist teams.
“There is currently an increased prevalence of scabies within the community across the Hywel Dda area, which is a contributory factor in hospital outbreaks.
“The situation will be kept under review, and the ward will reopen in line with infection prevention and control guidance when it is safe to do so.”