Fatal necrotising fasciitis case under investigation

12 August 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 59-year-old man with underlying chronic disease..

The patient lived in Tung Chung. He had history of fall on August 5 and developed bruising on the left cheek followed by fever, left thigh and right lower abdominal pain with bruising on August 10. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day. His condition deteriorated and he passed away yesterday (August 11).

Specimens from his left thigh tissue yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

The patient had no recent travel history. His home contact was 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.