Press Release
Two cases of necrotising fasciitis under CHP investigation
16 July 2013
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 16) investigating two cases of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 44-year-old man and a 50-year-old man.
The first case involved a 44-year-old male patient with underlying medical conditions. He presented with fever and right foot swelling on July 13 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. Right leg amputation above the knee was performed on July 14 but he passed away on the same day.
His right foot tissue culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the patient sustained right foot injury on July 12.
His family contact remains asymptomatic. This case has been referred to the Coroner for further investigation.
The second case involved a 50-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses. He presented with left leg swelling on July 11 and was admitted to TMH on July 13. His clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis and left leg amputation above the knee was performed on July 14.
He is now in critical condition. His blood culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His family contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations into the two cases 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.