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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) received a report of a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 44-year-old man.
The man, living in Tseung Kwan O, injured his left middle finger after handling fish on July 30 and later noted pain, swelling and pus over the wound. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 3 for treatment. The man was not admitted to hospital and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on the wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
CHP is now investigating the case.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising 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.
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 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, August 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:31
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