2008-08-12
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health) today (August 12) received a report of a necrotizing fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 44-year-old man.
The man, living in Tseung Kwan O, injured his left middle finger after handling fish on July 30 and later noted pain, swelling and pus over the wound. He attended Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 3 for treatment. No hospitalization was required and the patient is now in stable condition.
Laboratory tests on the wound swab yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotizing fasciitis.
CHP is now investigating the case.
A CHP spokesman said necrotizing 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 were found.
Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2008