Two wards at Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, have been closed and visitor restrictions implemented following a scabies outbreak declared on Sunday. Hywel Dda health board confirmed the action was taken to contain the spread of the highly contagious skin infestation across its service area, which encompasses Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire. The health board stated that while a number of cases are being managed in both healthcare and community settings, the risk to the general public remains low.
What is scabies and how does it spread?
Scabies is a common skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow beneath the skin and spread through close physical contact. The condition affects people of all ages and is not linked to poor hygiene standards. Unlike bed bugs, the mites responsible for scabies are invisible to the naked eye, making the infection difficult to detect without medical examination.
The primary symptom is intense itching, which typically worsens at night. Affected individuals also develop a raised rash or spots that usually spread across the entire body. Transmission occurs through prolonged skin-to-skin contact or by sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with infected individuals, making it particularly contagious in household and healthcare settings.
How is scabies treated?
Scabies is not usually associated with serious illness and responds well to treatment. Over-the-counter creams and lotions applied to the entire body are effective in eliminating the infestation. However, successful treatment requires that every person in an affected household receive medication simultaneously to prevent reinfection.
Household management is critical to preventing recurrence. All bedding and clothing must be washed at 60 degrees Celsius on the first day of treatment. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a bag for at least three days, allowing the mites to die from lack of contact with human skin. During treatment, individuals should avoid physical contact and refrain from sharing bedding, clothing, or towels with others.
What action is the health board taking?
Sharon Daniel, executive director of nursing, quality and patient experience at Hywel Dda University health board, stated the organisation was
taking direct action to treat patients, staff and contacts, and undertake deep cleaning of our wards, in line with infection prevention control measures. According to the health board's press release published on 27 September 2026, affected individuals and close contacts are being supported with treatment and advice to manage the outbreak.
Daniel acknowledged that
scabies is highly contagious and difficult to eradicate, and we are grateful to everyone for their continued support. The health board has committed to contacting patients whose planned care appointments may be disrupted by the ward closures and visitor restrictions. The Minor Injury Unit at the hospital continues to operate normally and is not affected by these measures.
What support is available to affected individuals?
According to Hywel Dda's scabies guidance updated on 22 September 2026, affected people and their close contacts are being provided with treatment and advice. Medical consultation is recommended for children under two years old, anyone who suspects they have scabies, individuals with a crusted or flaky rash on elbows, knees, hands or feet, or those whose skin continues to itch after four weeks of treatment.
The health board's approach emphasises that the outbreak does not represent a broader public health emergency. The focus on infection control measures within healthcare settings and targeted support for affected households reflects the understanding that scabies, while contagious, can be effectively managed through prompt treatment and proper hygiene protocols.
What happens next?
Hywel Dda has stated it will contact patients whose planned appointments are affected
as soon as possible, though no fixed reopening date or formal review date for the ward closures has been published. The health board will continue deep-cleaning operations and infection prevention measures while managing cases across its service area. Updates on the situation are expected as the outbreak response progresses.
Key Facts
- Scabies is caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin and spread through close contact; it is not caused by poor hygiene
- Treatment involves applying over-the-counter cream or lotion to the entire body, with all household members requiring simultaneous treatment
- Bedding and clothing must be washed at 60°C on the first day of treatment; items that cannot be washed should be sealed in a bag for at least three days
- The wider public risk remains low, with the outbreak response focused on healthcare settings and affected households
- Patients with disrupted appointments will be contacted by Hywel Dda health board as soon as possible
