H-ISAC TLP Green Physical Security Bulletin - Strep Throat Increase, Antibiotic Shortage - April 26, 2023

Streptococcus or strep throat has seen a steep increase this last season and is lasting much longer than the usually patterned strep season. The usual seasonal pattern shows a rise in September and a peak in February, though strep cases this year are still persistent. This last February saw an increase of 30% compared to the last peak of pre-pandemic of February 2017. A more infectious variant of strep throat called strep A is also being seen in larger numbers. The variant has the ability to travel throughout the body, infecting the blood and causing rashes. Strep A shares the same treatment as Streptococcus. There has also been a shortage of amoxicillin, the antibiotic used to treat strep throat, which is exacerbating the issue that has been caused by the steep increase in cases. Amoxicillin is the preferred antibiotic treatment for strep throat as it is a liquid, and easy to take while dealing with the infection.