Morriston Hospital on the outskirts of Swansea city centre has introduced visiting limits after health officials identified a small number of scabies cases at the facility. Swansea Bay University Health Board confirmed the outbreak, noting that affected patients receive appropriate treatment and families have been notified.

A spokesperson for Swansea Bay University Health Board stated that the health board can confirm a small number of scabies cases at Morriston Hospital. Relatives received information, and staff provided appropriate treatment or guidance to patients, relatives, and staff. The spokesperson added that visiting restrictions are in place and expressed gratitude to relatives for their understanding, while noting that anyone with concerns about having scabies can seek advice from a local pharmacy or GP.

Parasitic skin infections of this type are caused by eight-legged mites that burrow under the skin and lay eggs, resulting in an itchy and blotchy red rash. Dr Firas Al-Niaimi, a London-based consultant dermatologist, previously explained that the condition spreads very quickly and requires early detection to limit infections. The flaky and crusty rash typically appears on elbows, knees, feet, and hands, and can also affect armpits, waist, groin, and bottom areas.

Several hospitals across Wales have dealt with scabies outbreaks recently, particularly over the past month. Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen closed its Cadog and Dewi Wards to visitors and new admissions last week due to scabies. Prince Philip Hospital, another Carmarthenshire facility, also shut multiple wards for the same reason.

How to treat scabies

If you or someone in your family has scabies:

  • Wash all bedding and clothing in the house at 60C or higher, and if possible in a hot dryer, on the first day of treatment
  • Put clothing that cannot be washed in a sealed bag for at least three days until the mites die
  • Do not have sex or close physical contact until you have completed the full course of treatment
  • Do not share bedding, clothing or towels with someone with scabies

A pharmacist can provide a cream or lotion to apply across the whole body, including the scalp and face, with treatment repeated seven days later. Every household member must undergo treatment simultaneously, regardless of symptoms. Pharmacy treatments should not be used on children under two years old, who must see a GP instead. Adults and children aged five or over may return to work or school after starting treatment, though close contact with others should be avoided for the first 24 hours. Children under five years old can return to nursery or pre-school 24 hours after their first treatment. While treatments kill the mites quickly, itching may persist for several weeks.

See a GP if:

  • Your child is under two years old and has symptoms of scabies or someone else in your household has scabies
  • You have scabies and think your skin may be infected or you have another skin condition, such as eczema
  • You have a crusted, flaky rash on your elbows, knees, hands or feet
  • You've used pharmacy treatment for scabies and your skin is still itching two to four weeks after treatment has finished

These cases at Morriston Hospital mark the first instances within the Swansea Bay University Health Board area. Symptoms do not always show immediately, as the NHS notes it can take up to eight weeks for the rash to appear. The infection spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and treatments involve washing laundry at high temperatures and avoiding close contact with others for 24 hours.