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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 19) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving an 88-year-old woman.
The patient, with an underlying medical condition, presented with left leg pain and swelling on June 15. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on June 16. Her clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis and left leg amputation above the knee was performed on June 18.
The patient is now receiving intensive care and is in critical condition. Her left leg tissue yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient's family contacts remain asymptomatic. Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
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/Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:55
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