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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 52-year-old man today (December 2).
The man, living in Tsing Yi, had a painful reddish swelling on the left index finger on November 24 after being cut by broken glass at work. He consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital the same day. He was later admitted for further management on November 28 and is now in stable condition.
His wound swab grew 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.
People 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 such as increasing redness, pain and swelling are noted.
Ends/Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:46
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