Hywel Dda confirms wider rise in cases across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion as patients and staff are offered treatment

A HOSPITAL ward in Carmarthen has been temporarily closed following an outbreak of crusted scabies, a rare and highly contagious form of the condition.

Hywel Dda University Health Board confirmed that Steffan Ward at Glangwili Hospital has been closed while the outbreak is managed under established infection prevention and control procedures.

All patients and members of staff identified as contacts have been informed and offered treatment, including those who are not currently showing symptoms.

Additional measures have been introduced on the ward, including enhanced monitoring, treatment of identified contacts and continued support from specialist infection control teams.

The health board said the situation would remain under review and that the ward would reopen when it was considered safe to do so.

Of wider concern is the health board’s confirmation that scabies cases are increasing across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, with the regional rise contributing to outbreaks within hospitals.

The reference to hospital outbreaks in the plural has prompted questions about whether other wards or hospital sites are currently affected.

The Herald has asked Hywel Dda to confirm the number of patients and staff involved, when the first case was identified and whether any other wards, hospitals, care homes or community healthcare settings are dealing with linked cases.

We have also asked what effect the closure is having on admissions, patient transfers and bed availability at Glangwili.

Previous outbreaks reported

This is not the first time scabies has caused disruption within the Hywel Dda area.

Health board papers considered in October 2025 referred to an earlier scabies outbreak on Steffan Ward which required a multidisciplinary response.

It is not currently known whether that incident and the latest outbreak are connected.

The closure also follows earlier reporting by The Herald about scabies circulating in Pembrokeshire care homes.

In November 2025, care providers said several residential settings were managing outbreaks with clinical support and guidance from Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Pharmacies in Milford Haven and Haverfordwest had also reported increased demand for scabies treatments.

The Herald has asked the health board whether the current regional increase is connected to the pattern of outbreaks reported last year and what action has since been taken to monitor and contain the spread.

UK outbreak caused months of disruption

A previous outbreak at a major UK hospital demonstrates how difficult scabies can be to control in a healthcare environment.

Raigmore Hospital in Inverness was affected by a series of scabies incidents during 2023.

One ward was closed in March and did not reopen until May, while another ward was closed to new admissions in July after further cases were identified.

The outbreak caused disruption over several months and showed that restrictions can return even after previously affected areas have reopened.

Raigmore is the largest hospital in the Scottish Highlands, meaning prolonged ward closures had consequences for capacity and the wider community it serves.

It is too early to say whether the disruption at Glangwili will reach a similar scale.

However, the situation carries an added concern because Hywel Dda has specifically identified the condition as crusted scabies.

What is crusted scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites which burrow into the skin and is most commonly spread through prolonged, close skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms can include intense itching, particularly at night, and a raised rash which often appears between the fingers, around the wrists, under the arms and near the waist or groin.

Crusted scabies is a rare and more severe form of the infestation in which exceptionally large numbers of mites can be present.

It is substantially more contagious than ordinary scabies and may spread through shorter periods of direct contact or through contaminated bedding, clothing, towels and furniture.

The condition can require more intensive treatment and extensive environmental cleaning, making outbreaks in hospitals and care settings particularly challenging to control.

Scabies is treatable, but symptoms can take several weeks to appear. Close contacts may therefore be offered treatment even when they have no symptoms, helping to reduce the risk of further transmission or reinfection.

Hywel Dda has not yet disclosed the number of confirmed cases, how many patients and staff have been treated or when Steffan Ward is expected to reopen.

The Herald will update this report when further information is received from the health board.

Owner says she has done nothing wrong, but RSPCA says it cannot comment on ongoing enquiries

GREENACRES Rescue has confirmed that two dogs removed from a Milford Haven property earlier this year remain safe in its care while an investigation continues.

The Herald first reported in April that police had attended a property in the Precelly Place area following welfare concerns raised by neighbours.

At the time, Greenacres confirmed that two dogs had been admitted into its care and said it would be working with the local authority, police and RSPCA while enquiries were carried out.

The rescue has now issued a further update after renewed speculation on social media prompted a number of enquiries from concerned members of the public.

Greenacres said it had deliberately remained largely silent since the dogs first arrived in order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and any potential legal proceedings.

With the permission of the RSPCA, the rescue said it was now able to provide a brief update to reassure those who had been worried about the animals’ welfare.

Greenacres confirmed that both dogs have remained safely in its care since the day after they were removed. During that time, they have received veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, rehabilitation and ongoing support from the rescue’s experienced team.

The charity said it understood public frustration that more information had not been shared sooner, but stressed that investigations involving alleged animal cruelty can be complex and may take considerable time to conclude.

Greenacres said: “As an independent, self-funded rescue, Greenacres Rescue has no greater legal powers than any other member of the public.

“Throughout every stage, the police and the RSPCA are required to act within the powers and procedures set out in the Animal Welfare Act.

“Whilst this can be frustrating for everyone involved, these legal processes are there for good reason and must be followed.”

The owner of the dogs has contacted The Herald and has asked us to report that she denies any wrongdoing. She says she has been told there will be no further action against her.

However, the RSPCA has said it is unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals or what action may be taken.

A spokesperson said: “We’re grateful to people who report their concerns to us but we cannot comment any further as we are unable to discuss ongoing enquiries about specific individuals and what action may be taken.

“We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future investigation or could lead to us being fined.”

Greenacres has confirmed that the Belgian Malinois has now been legally surrendered into its care. The rescue is currently assessing the most appropriate long-term plan for her future.

However, she is not available for direct rehoming and will continue to undergo further behavioural assessment and rehabilitation. Greenacres said it is working with experienced specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for the dog.

The smaller crossbreed dog remains under seizure by the RSPCA and police and continues to form part of the ongoing investigation. Ownership has not yet been transferred, and Greenacres said that position is likely to remain unchanged until the investigation and any related legal process has concluded.

The rescue has also clarified that it has not been involved in the rescue or care of any cats or kittens believed to be connected to the property. Questions about those animals should be directed to the RSPCA.

Greenacres added that a lack of public updates should not be mistaken for a lack of action.

The rescue said: “Much of this work happens behind the scenes and, by its very nature, cannot be shared publicly whilst investigations remain active.

“Our priority will always be the welfare of the animals and ensuring that ongoing legal proceedings are not compromised.

“Please be assured that both dogs are safe, are receiving the care they need, and remain a priority for everyone involved.”

Greenacres thanked the public for their support, patience and understanding while the relevant authorities complete their investigation.

NEW Paul Mealor work, with words by Menna Elfyn, will be performed by 150 young people from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire

A new composition by internationally acclaimed Welsh composer Paul Mealor will bring this year’s National Eisteddfod to a spectacular close, as 150 young musicians from across west Wales take to the Pafiliwn stage.

Côr a Cherddorfa’r Tair Sir, the Three Counties Choir and Orchestra, will perform Angerdd a gerdd, a new work specially commissioned from Professor Mealor, with words by celebrated poet Menna Elfyn.

The concert will close the Pafiliwn programme on the final Saturday evening of the festival, bringing together young performers from Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire for what organisers say will be one of the highlights of the week.

Côr y Tair Sir was originally formed following the creation of Dyfed in the 1974 local government reorganisation, becoming well known across the region and beyond. It has now been revived especially for this year’s National Eisteddfod, with support from the National Music Service of Wales and sponsorship from the Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity, Gregynog.

Rehearsals began in the spring, with pupils meeting regularly to prepare for the performance.

Professor Mealor said he had been delighted by the response from the young musicians.

“One hundred and fifty young people came together to rehearse my new work, to Menna Elfyn’s powerful words, and it sounded wonderful from the very first rehearsal,” he said.

“It’s a challenging piece for young voices, but I’ve been hugely impressed by their commitment, and I’m certain it will be a thrilling experience for the audience on the night.”

Mealor, who was born in St Asaph and raised in Connah’s Quay, has long-standing links with Wales’ musical tradition. He studied composition with Professor William Mathias at the University of York and has credited Mathias as the inspiration behind his musical career, particularly his passion for choral music.

The new work will also showcase the words of Menna Elfyn, one of Wales’ leading poets. Since the publication of her first poetry collection, Mwyara, 50 years ago, she has produced numerous volumes of poetry, children’s books and anthologies, while also writing for stage, radio and television. Her work has received widespread critical acclaim and many awards.

As well as marking the end of the festival week, the concert will celebrate the National Eisteddfod’s rich musical heritage and give a new generation of performers the chance to present a major choral work on one of Wales’ most prestigious stages.

Classical music will feature prominently across the Maes this year, with events taking place at Y Stiwdio and Encore.

Among the highlights is a performance of Atgof o’r Sêr, Memory of the Stars, composed by Robat Arwyn with words written especially for Bryn Terfel. First performed at the 2001 Denbigh National Eisteddfod, this year marks the 25th anniversary of its premiere.

The eight-song cycle will be performed by recent winners of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize, including Steffan Lloyd Owen, Meinir Wyn Roberts, John Ieuan Jones, Llinos Haf Jones, Dafydd Jones, Siriol Elin, Joshua Mills and Lisa Dafydd.

Another highlight will be a rare opportunity to hear two songs by composer Meirion Williams, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

On behalf of the Eisteddfod, musician Sioned Webb and Steffan Prys explored the archive of the late soprano Ceinwen Rowlands, with the assistance of Maredudd ap Huw at the National Library of Wales.

Sioned spent time in London during the 1980s researching and completing an MA dissertation on the life and work of Meirion Williams, but she was unaware of the Ceinwen Rowlands collection at the time.

This year she discovered two previously unperformed pieces in strict Welsh metres, cywyddau by Siôn Cent and Huw Morys, also known as Eos Ceiriog. She edited them for performance with the assistance of Eurig Salisbury.

It will be the first time the two songs have been heard in more than 80 years. Nerys Williams, the composer’s daughter, has been invited to attend the Eisteddfod and present the scores to Tŷ Cerdd.

Betsan Moses, Chief Executive of the National Eisteddfod, said: “There’s a strong programme of classical music across the Maes this year. We’re delighted to welcome so many former competition winners back to perform, celebrating the connection between competing at the Eisteddfod and their career in music.

“We’re also using Rhosygilwen, near the Maes, as the venue for our music prelims during the week, and everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the performances.

“The Pafiliwn event on the final Saturday evening promises to be one of the highlights of the festival. It is wonderful to give classical music such a prominent place at its heart, while offering talented young local musicians the chance to be part of a unique experience, working alongside one of Wales’ best-known composers and bringing the words of one of our leading poets to life through music.

“It will provide a memorable finale to a week of music and creativity.”

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire, from August 1 to 8. Further information and tickets are available at eisteddfod.cymru.