Press Release

Case of necrotising fasciitis under CHP investigation

20 May 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 20) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 43-year-old man.

The patient, with an underlying illness, developed chills and rigor on May 9 and sustained swelling to his left hand the following day (May 10). He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and was admitted on the same day.

The clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. He is currently in stable condition.

His hand tissue yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the patient was pricked by a fish at work in a restaurant on May 8.

His family contacts remain asymptomatic. 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.

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