*************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 11) received a report of a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 56-year-old man.
The man, living in Sha Tin, noted redness, pain and blister over his right lower leg on August 6 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the next day for treatment. Debridement surgery was performed. The patient is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on the wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
CHP is now investigating the case.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and can 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 cleansed and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling were found.
Ends/Monday, August 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:31
NNNN