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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 61-year-old man today (September 17).
The man, living in Wong Tai Sin, reported a painful swelling in his left foot and fever on September 10. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital on September 13 and is now in critical condition.
Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria that causes necrotising fasciitis.
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/Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:43
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