Press Release

Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation

9 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 9) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis involving an 81-year-old woman.

The patient, with underlying illness, developed painful swelling of her right lower limb since April 3. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital (UCH) on April 6.

Her clinical diagnosis was right lower limb necrotising fasciitis. She is receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit and is in critical condition.

According to the test results by UCH, culture of the patient's subcutaneous tissue yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria that can cause necrotising fasciitis.

The patient lives alone and has no recent travel history. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.

A CHP spokesman explained that necrotising fasciitis 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.

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

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