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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 25) received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis involving a 78-year-old man.
The man, with underlying illness, developed right calf pain, erythema and fever since June 23. He attended Princess Margaret Hospital on June 24 and was admitted on the same day.
Surgery was performed on June 24 to remove the dead tissue. He is currently staying at the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
His necrotic tissue grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A), a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient has no recent travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts are asymptomatic. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissues and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to thoroughly clean and properly cover wounds. Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.
Ends/Saturday, June 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:26
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