College issues advice on Strep A in joint statement with RCPCH and RCEM

As reported by the RCGP, the Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) are issuing advice in a joint statement for worried parents and healthcare professionals working during a very tough winter

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that cases of Group A Strep infection, including scarlet fever, continues to remain higher than we would typically see at this time of year. Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. This increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing. Please be assured that the situation is being closely monitored and assessed.

Healthcare professionals should note the higher circulating rate this winter, and ‘think Group A Strep’.

On December 9, NHS England released an interim clinical guidance update aimed at clinicians involved in the diagnosis and treatment of children up to the age of 18 years.

UKHSA has stated that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in relevant patients as early recognition and prompt initiation of specific and supportive therapy can make a significant difference.

Urgent notification to UKHSA Health Protection Teams of scarlet fever and iGAS infection is essential to facilitate immediate public health actions including contact tracing.

Demand for penicillin and amoxicillin has increased in recent days as the number of cases of Strep A has risen. Healthcare professionals may need to prescribe tablets and capsules and provide guidance on how children could be encouraged to swallow these. See the Medicines for Children website for advice on children swallow pills.

You can report any medicine shortages to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) through the Discontinuations and Shortages (DaSH) portal.