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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of narcotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 55-year-old man.
The man, living in Wan Chai, had neck pain and upper respiratory tract symptoms on December 23 and attended a private doctor for treatment. He developed right buttock pain with chills and rigour the following day and was admitted to a private hospital on December 25 for debridement surgery. He subsequently transferred to Pamela Youde Eastern Hospital where he died on December 27.
The man's right buttock wound yielded streptococcus pyogenes (a kind of bacteria).
The case has been handed over to the coroner's court for investigation.
A CHP spokesman said narcotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
Members of the public are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
* Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to sea water or salty water;
* Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered; and
* Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling are found.
Ends/Friday, December 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:31
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