A hospital ward in Carmarthen, Wales has been closed following an outbreak of a rare form of scabies, a Victorian disease the cases of which are on the rise in the UK
A hospital ward has been shut down following an outbreak of a rare form of scabies, a Victorian-era disease which is seeing a resurgence across the UK.
Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales, will be closed to manage the outbreak “in line with established infection prevention and control procedures,” according to Hywel Dda health board.
The health board confirmed that patients and staff identified as contacts have been offered treatment, including those not displaying symptoms.
It also stated that 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,” BBC Wales reported.
As the NHS explains on its website, “scabies is an itchy rash caused by mites. It’s spread through close skin contact, and anyone can get it. It should be treated quickly to stop it spreading”.
The symptoms of scabies include intense itching, particularly at night, and a raised rash or spots that may appear red. The website also noted “scabies rash usually spreads across the whole body, apart from the head and neck. It often affects skin between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and around the waist, groin and bottom”
“People with a weakened immune system can sometimes get a rare and very contagious type of scabies called crusted scabies. The main symptom is a crusted, flaky rash that often affects the elbows, knees, hands and feet,” it also explained. The NHS also stated scabies spreads through close skin contact, including sexual contact.
The condition cannot be contracted from pets. Individuals who live or work in close proximity within nurseries, university halls of residence or nursing homes face a higher risk, reports the Express.
Adults and youngsters aged five years or above can return to work or school immediately after beginning treatment. However, it’s crucial to stay away from close contact with others for the initial 24 hours.
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