Scabies cases rising across UK as West Wales outbreak spreads

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 15:30 · Archive

Scabies cases have risen 44 per cent from 2023 to 2024, with an outbreak spreading across West Wales prompting visitor restrictions.

Scabies cases have risen sharply across the UK, with the Hywel Dda University Health Board reporting an outbreak spreading across West Wales. Cases increased 44 per cent from 2023 to 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency. The Royal College of General Practitioners noted in February that seasonal averages have been steadily rising year on year.

Scabies is a highly infectious skin disease caused by small mites that burrow into the skin. The mites transfer from person to person through close contact and can also latch on to clothes or bedding. Symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear and include blisters, rashes and severe itching. The UKHSA noted that scabies is most common in places where people live or work closely together, such as house shares, prisons, care homes, schools and hospitals.

The outbreak in West Wales has prompted hospitals, care homes and schools in the region to restrict visitors. Swindon's Great Western Hospital has not recorded any cases this month. The UKHSA said scabies is not usually serious but needs treatment as soon as possible because it is very infectious. Anyone can contract it through close skin contact.

How it is being reported

• Scabies cases rise as warning issued on symptoms to look out forAccording to the Hywel Dda University Health Board who runs hospitals in West Wales, a recent a scabies outbreak has been spreading across the region - so how worried should we be in Wiltshire?Gazette & Herald · 21 Oct, 15:20
• Scabies cases rise as warning issued on symptoms to look out forAccording to the Hywel Dda University Health Board who runs hospitals in West Wales, a recent a scabies outbreak has been spreading across the region - so how worried should we be in Wiltshire?Wiltshire Times · 21 Oct, 15:20
• Scabies cases rise as warning issued on symptoms to look out forAccording to the Hywel Dda University Health Board who runs hospitals in West Wales, a recent a scabies outbreak has been spreading across the region - so how worried should we be in Wiltshire?Swindon Advertiser · 20 Oct, 13:14

In this story: Hywel Dda University Health Board · UK Health Security Agency · Royal College of General Practitioners · West Wales · Great Western Hospital

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