30 Nov 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 30) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 71-year-old man with underlying chronic diseases.
The man, living in Sham Shui Po, had his right hand injured by fish in a wet market in the district on November 26. He presented with fever and swelling over his right hand and forearm since November 27. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre with debridement surgery performed on the same day. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His home contact was asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissues 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.