18 Sep 2009
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 66-year-old man with underlying chronic diseases.
The patient lived in Sai Kung. He presented with left calf swelling on September 13 and was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on September 14. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he passed away on the next day.
The case was referred to the Coroner for investigation.
Laboratory tests on the tissues from his left leg yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
* Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater or salty water;
* Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
* Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they developed symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.