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Hong Kong, Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation (June 24 2011), causative agent: S. pyogenes (Group A)
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
[Note from the Mod.(IOH): Almost all the necrotizing fasciitis cases recorded by Hong Kong PRC SAR (at least since 2008 to date) were caused by Vibrio Vulnificus (see my blog archive (LINK)). This is a rare instance where a different microbe appears to be involved. S. Pyogenes seems to be very active these time in HK. More details would be helpful.]
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Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation
24 June 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 24) received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 55-year-old man.
The man developed left lower limb swelling, pain and fever since June 15 and was admitted to North District Hospital on June 18.
Surgeries were performed on June 19 and 22 to remove the dead tissue. He is currently staying at the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
His wound swab and necrotic tissue grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A), a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient did not recall any recent injury. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was 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 like increasing redness, pain and swelling.
-24 June 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 24) received report of a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 55-year-old man.
The man developed left lower limb swelling, pain and fever since June 15 and was admitted to North District Hospital on June 18.
Surgeries were performed on June 19 and 22 to remove the dead tissue. He is currently staying at the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.
His wound swab and necrotic tissue grew Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A), a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
The patient did not recall any recent injury. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was 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 like increasing redness, pain and swelling.
[Note from the Mod.(IOH): Almost all the necrotizing fasciitis cases recorded by Hong Kong PRC SAR (at least since 2008 to date) were caused by Vibrio Vulnificus (see my blog archive (LINK)). This is a rare instance where a different microbe appears to be involved. S. Pyogenes seems to be very active these time in HK. More details would be helpful.]
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