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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 4) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 75-year-old man.
The patient, with an underlying medical condition, presented with fever and right little finger swelling on June 25. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis and right little finger amputation was performed on July 2.
The patient is now in stable condition. His right little finger deep wound swab yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the patient was pricked by a fish on June 25.
The patient has no recent travel history and his 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/Thursday, July 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:30
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