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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 21) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 69-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for right leg swelling on May 18 and was admitted on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. The patient was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit for further management on May 19 and he passed away today.
His blood culture yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His family contact remains asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
The case will be referred to the Coroner for further investigation.
A CHP spokesman explained that 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.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive measures:
* Avoid foot or leg contact with dirty water when visiting wet markets;
* 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 symptoms and signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pain and swelling, develop.
Ends/Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:01
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