Glangwili Hospital has temporarily closed one of its wards after a scabies outbreak was identified among patients and staff.
The infestation spreads through close skin-to-skin contact, and anyone can become infected. Individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to this form of scabies.
Health officials have notified all identified contacts and offered treatment, including those who have not yet shown symptoms. The response follows a regional increase in scabies cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, which has contributed to several hospital outbreaks.
Hospital administrators will monitor the situation closely and plan to reopen the ward once it meets infection prevention and control guidelines.
Typical scabies symptoms include intense itching and a raised rash that spares the head and neck. The rash commonly appears between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms, and in the waist, groin and buttock areas.
