Strep A: Antibiotics shortage in some Welsh pharmacies

Demand for antibiotics used to treat suspected cases of Strep A has led to a shortage in some pharmacies in Wales.

A seven-year-old girl from Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, is among nine children to have died across the UK from invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS) since September.

Pharmacist Ross Carpenter said there was "a lot of worry" among parents.

The Welsh government said it was working with the UK government to procure more antibiotics.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: "We're confident that suppliers are working to address any supply issues and if people find difficulty obtaining a prescription locally, they may need to visit a different pharmacy.

"If they're still not able to then they can go back to the GP and they can prescribe an alternative treatment."

Updated UK guidance on scarlet fever outbreaks (which are caused by Strep A) in October, says antibiotics can be used to help stop new cases of Strep A in settings such as schools but a decision should be taken with local outbreak control teams on "a case-by-case basis".

Mr Carpenter, who runs Resolven Pharmacy in Neath Port Talbot, said he had a "sufficient" but "limited" stock of antibiotics and there was difficulty getting hold of more.

"Lots of people coming in asking questions, lots of phone calls from worried parents…. there's definitely an increase in demand of our time at the moment," he said.

"I think you just have to be aware when they are going downhill, when they are looking dehydrated, when they've got a sustained temperature, looking out for the rash," added Mr Carpenter.

"When normal measures of giving them say paracetamol and ibuprofen and they're just not responding, they're the times then we need to get them obviously to the GP then."

One mum who was worried her child had caught Strep A said she had to call seven pharmacies before finding one that offered a test after being given "incorrect information" by 111.

Hazel Rocke, from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, said it "upset" her how difficult it was to find help for her nine-year-old daughter Ffion, who ended up having only mild tonsillitis.

"We all worry about how we're going to find that help and the info we need... it's very concerning and also very frustrating," added Ms Rocke.

The minister added that the number of strep A cases were "fairly low", but it was a worrying time for parents.

Strep A can cause a range of illnesses. Most cases are mild: a sore throat or skin infection easily treated with antibiotics.

Some people develop scarlet fever, which causes a skin rash that feels like sandpaper, and flu-like symptoms including a high temperature.

Very rarely, strep A can cause invasive Group A streptococcal infection (iGAS), which can be deadly.

Invasive disease happens when the bacteria breaches the body's immune defences.

According to Public Health Wales about 20 children each year develop iGAS in Wales, but the majority will recover with treatment.

Dr Jennifer Evans, a consultant paediatrician in Cardiff, advised parents to be "vigilant" and look out for danger signs, despite most children only suffering mild symptoms.

"If you are having trouble breathing, feel sleepy or irritable or have a baby under three months with a fever you need to see your GP much sooner," she told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"There are a lot of viruses around at the moment so if your child responds well to paracetamol they should be able to carry on fine at home."