Press Release

Case of necrotising fasciitis under CHP investigation

19 September 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 19) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (NF) affecting a man aged 56.

The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, left leg pain and swelling since September 15 and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on September 17. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.

The clinical diagnosis was left leg NF, with amputation performed on September 17. His blood culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus (VV) upon laboratory testing by PYNEH. VV is a type of bacteria which can cause NF.

The patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.

"NF is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive measures:

• Avoid foot or leg contact with dirty water when visiting wet markets;
• Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater or salty water;
• Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and properly covered; and
• Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish or other seafood.

Patients should promptly seek medical advice if relevant symptoms and signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain, swelling and pus develop.

The public may visit the CHP's page on VV infection ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/3780.html ) for more information.