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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 61-year-old woman with underlying illness.
The woman presented with fever, vomiting and diarrhoea on July 25. She noted pain and redness on her right leg on July 26 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital the next day.
Debridement of the wound was performed upon admission to remove the dead tissue. The patient had been put under the care of the Intensive Care Unit but was transferred to a general ward today (August 1) in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on her blood culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient had travel history during the incubation period. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue 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/Monday, August 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:41
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