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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 an 81-year-old woman.
The woman, who has an underlying illness and lives in Tai Po district, developed a fever on July 26. She was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day for persistent fever and found to have infection in both lower limbs.
Surgery was performed the next day to remove the dead tissue in the lower limbs. She is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
Investigation showed that the patient had handled raw fish in the past week but no definite injury was noticed.
Laboratory tests on tissues from her right leg grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Her home contact was asymptomatic. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissues and 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 seawater or salty water;
* Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and
properly covered; and
* Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.
Ends/Friday, July 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:11
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