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Hong Kong: Fatal case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation (11/03/10)
Hong Kong: Fatal case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation (11/03/10)
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article.]
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 53-year-old man.
The patient lived in Tseung Kwan O. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on September 16 with left calf pain and swelling. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on September 17.
The case had been reported to the Coroner.
Laboratory tests on the patient's blood yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
There was no history of injury. His home contact was asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and cause death 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.
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[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, View Original Article.]
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 53-year-old man.
The patient lived in Tseung Kwan O. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on September 16 with left calf pain and swelling. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on September 17.
The case had been reported to the Coroner.
Laboratory tests on the patient's blood yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
There was no history of injury. His home contact was asymptomatic.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and cause death 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 cleaned and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms and signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pain and swelling.
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