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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 77-year-old man today (November 27).
The man, living in Kwai Chung, reported painful swelling on his right middle finger and fever on November 24. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on November 25 and is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on his wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
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.
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/Thursday, November 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:31
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