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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a necrotizing fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 77-year-old man today (September 19).
The man, living in Tin Shui Wai, developed fever and rash with blister over his left forearm and then developed diarrhoea, vomiting and dyspnoea. He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on September 14 to receive intensive care. He passed away the next day.
His blood culture grew vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotizing fasciitis.
A CHP spokesman said necrotizing 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.
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 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/Friday, September 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:40
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