A HOSPITAL has been forced to close one of its wards after a patient was admitted suffering from a highly contagious skin condition, it was disclosed today.

Trafford General Hospital closed the ward to admissions after the patient was found to have a "pre-existing case" of scabies.

The condition, caused by tiny wingless mites which burrow into the skin, causes intense itching and a red rash and sores, which can then become infected.

Commonly occurring on the webbing between fingers and in the skin folds on wrists, knees and elbows, scabies can then spread rapidly in crowded conditions or wherever there is frequent skin-to-skin contact, such as in a hospital ward.

Consultant microbiologist Dr John Croall said the hospital had closed the ward "as a precautionary measure" while patients and staff were treated.