16 Sep 2008
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a necrotizing fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 66-year-old man today (September 16).
The man, living in Sha Tin, reported to have painful swelling at left thumb with bloody discharge on September 6 and later developed chills and rigour. He was admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital on September 9 and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotizing fasciitis.
CHP is now investigating the case.
A CHP spokesman said necrotizing fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
Members of the public are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to sea water or salty water;
- Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish;
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling were found.