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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 10) received a report of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving an 80-year-old man.
The man, living in Kwun Tong, developed fever and decreased consciousness on June 1 and was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 3. He had a wound on his left lower leg.
Laboratory tests on the wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis. The patient is now in critical condition.
Investigation by CHP is on-going.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is 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 are found.
Ends/Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:28
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