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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 77-year-old man with underlying illness.
The patient lives alone in Southern District. He presented with bilateral lower limb swelling on June 9. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital the next day and was diagnosed as having necrotising fasciitis. Bilateral above-knee amputation was performed the same day.
The patient is now receiving intensive care and is in a stable condition. Laboratory tests on his blood samples yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Investigation continues.
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/Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:00
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