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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 27) investigating a case of Vibrio vulnificus infection affecting a man aged 84. Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease.
The patient, with chronic illness, presented with pain in his left hand, swelling and increase in warmth since November 24. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital (UCH) on November 25 and was admitted for further management. The clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis.
He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
His left hand tissue culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus upon laboratory testing by UCH.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had sustained an accidental injury to his left thumb by knife on November 24 and later the same day prepared a fish at home for lunch. He has no recent travel history. Investigations by the CHP are ongoing.
"Vibrio vulnificus, a kind of bacteria that normally lives in warm seawater, may cause infection in those who have an open wound exposed to seawater or eat seafood contaminated with the bacteria," a spokesman for the CHP explained.
Wound infection with Vibrio vulnificus may result in necrotising fasciitis, a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia (a sheath of tissue covering the muscle). It can lead to tissue destruction and can be fatal.
Members of the public, particularly those with impaired immune response or underlying illnesses, are advised to take heed of the following measures against Vibrio vulnificus infection:
* Avoid having wounds coming in contact with seawater or raw seafood;
* Cleanse the wound thoroughly and cover it with waterproof dressing;
* Avoid skin contact with dirty water when visiting a wet market;
* Be careful with sharp parts of seafood, such as fish fins, shrimp heads and crabs, to prevent cuts;
* Use appropriate protective devices, for example gloves, when handling raw seafood;
* Avoid eating raw oysters or shellfish;
* Cook seafood thoroughly; for shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels etc), cook until the shells open; and
* Avoid mixing ready-to-eat food and raw seafood.
"If symptoms such as skin redness, swelling and pain develop, seek medical advice promptly," the spokesman said.
The public may visit the CHP's page on Vibrio vulnificus infection (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/24/3780.html) for more information.
Ends/Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:31
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