Press Release

CHP investigates necrotising fasciitis case

19 March 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 65-year-old man.

The patient, with chronic illnesses, presented with right leg pain and swelling since March 12 and sought medical consultation from a private doctor on March 14. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the following day (March 15). He was diagnosed as having necrotising fasciitis and right leg above-knee amputation was performed on March 16.

The patient is now receiving intensive care and is in serious condition. The culture of tissue collected from the patient yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

He has no recent travel history and his family members are asymptomatic.

The CHP's investigation is continuing.

A CHP spokesperson said 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 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; and
* 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.