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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 30) received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis involving a 59-year-old woman.
The woman, with underlying illness, developed left lower limb pain since June 27. She attended Queen Mary Hospital on June 29 and was admitted on the same day.
Surgery was performed on June 29 to remove the dead tissue. She is currently in the Intensive Care Unit and is in critical condition.
Her wound swab and blood grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A), a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is 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 such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.
Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:35
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