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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 27) received a report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 75-year-old man.
The man, living in Wong Tai Sin, injured the back of his right hand when handling crab on August 24. He noted a painful swelling over his wound the next day and was admitted to United Christian Hospital and later underwent surgery. He is currently in critical condition.
Laboratory tests on his blood 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.
Members of the public 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 are found.
Ends/Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:01
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