_|HONG KONG: Non-cholera vibriosis, Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation|_

[Giuseppe]

[Non-cholera vibriosis - ioh]

Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation

August 11 2008, 12.31.04

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 11) received a report of a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 56-year-old man.

The man, living in Sha Tin, noted redness, pain and blister over his right lower leg on August 6 and was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the next day for treatment.

Debridement surgery was performed.

The patient is now in stable condition. Laboratory tests on the wound swab 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.

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 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.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200808/11/P200808110189.htm
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[Giuseppe]

Re: _|HONG KONG: Non-cholera vibriosis, Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation|_

Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation

August 12 2008, 11.31.01

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) received a report of a necrotising 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 the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on August 3 for treatment.

The man was not admitted to hospital and is now in stable condition.

Laboratory tests on the wound swab 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.

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 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.
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http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200808/12/P200808120192.htm
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