9 Sep 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 79-year-old woman.
The woman, living in Tai Po, developed fever and right leg painful swelling on September 5 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day. An operation was performed on September 9 to remove the dead tissues. She is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in serious condition.
Investigation showed that the patient had handled raw fish on September 4 but she did not recall any injuries.
Laboratory tests on her blood yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Her home contacts were asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissues 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.