28 Jun 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 62-year-old man.
The man, living in Kwai Tsing, presented with fever, pain and swelling in left calf since June 22 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on the next day.
An operation was performed on June 24 to remove the dead tissue. He is currently staying at the Intensive Care Unit in serious condition.
His blood culture grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient has no recent travel history and he did not recall any recent injury. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of 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 develop symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.