Health officials concerned about strep cases amid antibiotic shortages

CHARLOTTE, NC — Another viral infection has health officials worried. They noticed an increase in cases of strep throat at the same time as cases of Covid-19, influenza and RSV are increasing. The CDC is investigating a growing trend of strep cases in children.

So far in the UK there have been 94 deaths from complications from strep throat. 24 of these victims were children. However, there is good news. Scientists believe a vaccine could be on the horizon. They made a breakthrough discovery by learning how the body fights bacteria.

The infection is easily treated with amoxicillin. But right now there is a national shortage of antibiotics. The FDA placed the drug on its shortage list last month. The shortage only affects the liquid form of the drug.