Latest figures show a steep rise in cases of the bacteria since peaks seen in 2016.
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”.
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. Speaking at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday, Nicola Sturgeon said "nobody is burying their heads in the sand” on the antibiotic supply issue.
“These types of demand shortages are not uncommon, the NHS has robust systems in place to deal with them. The assessment right now is that there is sufficient supply within the UK to meet these needs.” There have been no deaths in Scotland, however 16 children elsewhere in the UK have now died from invasive Strep A infection.
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