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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 10) investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis involving a 66-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying medical condition, developed right chest pain and swelling as well as right elbow pain since January 5. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on January 7.
His clinical diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. Surgery was performed on January 8 to remove the dead tissue but he died the next day.
His blood, right chest wall wound swab, right chest wall tissue and right hand wound swab all grew Streptococcus pyogenes, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic. This case was referred to the Coroner's Court for investigation.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissues and can 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/Friday, January 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:02
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