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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 24) received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 55-year-old man.
The man developed left lower limb swelling, pain and fever since June 15 and was admitted to North District Hospital on June 18.
Surgeries were performed on June 19 and 22 to remove the dead tissue. He is currently staying at the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
His wound swab and necrotic tissue grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A), a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient did not recall any recent injury. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissues and can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to thoroughly clean and properly cover wounds. Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.
Ends/Friday, June 24, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:30
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