13 Sep 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 48-year-old man who lived in Mong Kok.
The patient had good past health. He presented with leg pain, swelling and shortness of breath on September 8 and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital. He developed shock after admission. Debridement surgery was performed the next day. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on September 10.
The case was referred to the Coroner for investigation.
Laboratory tests on his blood and tissues from his lower limb yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient had injury to both calves in July 2010, the wound remained unhealed. He had no recent travel history. 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 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.