As cases of Strep A continue to grow in Scotland, officials have warned that medication to treat the bacteria may be “temporarily in limited supply”.The rise of the infection in recent weeks, which is commonly seen in children, has prompted a surge demand for antibiotics used to treat Group A Strep - according to an alert notice issued by the Scottish government.The notice warns pharmacists that supplies of the antibiotics may be limited at certain wholesalers and pharmacies.
However it states that supplies are available with manufacturers and deliveries to outlets are “being expedited and are expected in the coming days”.Pharmacists have been issued guidance on alternative antibiotics which can be used in place if first line treatment is unavailable.
Parents should seek medical help if they suspect that their child might be infected.The latest Public Health Scotland (PHS) figures show 967 laboratory reports of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in the week ending December 11 - a steep rise above the 300-480 reports per week during peaks observed in the period since 2016.
PHS received reports of six new cases of the more serious Invasive Group A Streptococcal infections (iGAS) between December 5 and 11 across all age groups in Scotland, with no new reports in children under 10 since last week’s report.
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