7 Jun 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 7) is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 68-year-old man.
The man, living in Kowloon City, presented with fever, chills and shortness of breath on June 1. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on June 3 and transferred to the intensive care unit for management of pneumonia and hypotension the same day.
The patient developed pain and swelling of both calves on June 3. A wound was found in his right calf and necrotising fasciitis was diagnosed. He is currently in critical condition. He had a history of injury to both legs in a wet market.
Laboratory tests on his blood culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His home contacts were asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissues and can 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 cleaned 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.