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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 66-year-old man today (September 16).
The man, living in Sha Tin, reported painful swelling in his left thumb with bloody discharge on September 6 and later developed chills and rigour. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on September 9 and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The 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 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 cleaned 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, September 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:01
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