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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 67-year-old woman.
The patient presented with fever, chills and rigor, left lower leg redness and swelling since July 2. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on the same day. She was diagnosed as having necrotising fasciitis and left lower leg above-knee amputation was performed.
The patient is now receiving intensive care and is in a serious condition. A wound swab collected from the patient yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
She has no recent travel history. Her home contact is asymptomatic.
The CHP's investigation is continuing.
A CHP spokesman 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.
People 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.
Ends/Thursday, July 5, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:52
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