12 July 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 74-year-old man.
The patient lived in Kwai Tsing. He developed fever and left ankle pain on July 5. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on July 7. An operation was performed to remove the dead tissues in his left lower limb on July 8. The patient's condition deteriorated and he passed away the same day.
The case was referred to the coroner for investigation.
Specimens from his blood and wound grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient had no recent travel history but he had a recent injury to his left lower limb. His home contacts were asymptomatic.
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 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 such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.