20.10.2026 19:40
A health alert was issued in the UK due to increasing scabies cases. Following the detection of new cases at Prince Philip Hospital in Wales, visitor restrictions were introduced at the Bryngolau Service. Health authorities announced that additional measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of infection and that the process is being closely monitored.
Measures have been increased in hospitals in the UK due to scabies, a disease historically associated with the Victorian era. After new cases were detected at Prince Philip Hospital in Wales, visitor restrictions were introduced on one ward.
Visits have been restricted from Friday, October 16, on the Bryngolau Ward in the Carmarthenshire area where the hospital is located, due to a scabies outbreak. Hywel Dda University Health Board announced that additional measures have been taken to prevent the spread of infection and that the situation is being assessed regularly.
The restriction decision came only a few days after visitor restrictions previously imposed on wards 4 and 7 of the same hospital were lifted. Health officials reported that they will contact patients recently discharged from the hospital directly.
HOW IS SCABIES TRANSMITTED?
Scabies is known as a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites that settle in the upper layer of the skin and burrow tunnels there. The disease can be transmitted especially through prolonged skin contact. Shared clothing and bedding can also play a role in transmission.
The most common symptoms include itching that worsens especially at night, redness, and rashes. Symptoms can appear between the fingers, on the wrists, elbows, around the waist, and in the groin area. After the first infection, symptoms can take up to eight weeks to appear.
RISK STATEMENT FROM AUTHORITIES
Hywel Dda University Health Board reported that the measures taken due to the outbreak are being reviewed regularly and that the risk to the general public is considered low.
Although scabies is a treatable disease, it is important for patients and their close contacts to apply appropriate treatment at the same time to prevent the spread of infection. It is noted that itching may continue for several weeks after treatment.