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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 24) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis involving a 61-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying medical conditions, developed fever and left upper limb pain and swelling since July 10. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH) on the same day and admitted for treatment.
Surgery was performed on July 11 but he passed away on the same day. His clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis.
His left forearm tissue and fluid grew Streptococcus pyogenes, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis, upon preliminary test laboratory testing by AHNH.
The patient travelled to Guangdong on July 10 and returned to Hong Kong on the same day. His home contacts were asymptomatic. This case has been referred to the Coroner's Court for investigation.
A spokesman for the CHP explained that NF 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 thoroughly clean and properly cover wounds. Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.
Ends/Thursday, July 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:02
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