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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 10) received a report of a necrotizing fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 70-year-old woman.
The woman, living in Yau Ma Tei, developed fever on March 7 and attended private doctors on March 7 and 8. She developed right chest wall pain on March 9 and was admitted to a private hospital on the same day. Debridement surgery was performed today. After operation, she was transferred to Princess Margaret Hospital and is now in critical condition.
CHP is now investigating the case.
A CHP spokesman said necrotizing fascittis 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 seawater or salty water;
- Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
- 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 were found.
Ends/Monday, March 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:40
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