Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
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Fatal necrotising fasciitis case under investigation
25 June 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 67-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illness, developed right leg pain and swelling on June 22. He attended Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital the same day and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite operation was performed, the patient's condition deteriorated and he passed away the next day.
The case was referred to the coroner for investigation.
Specimens from his blood and wound grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
-25 June 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 67-year-old man.
The patient, with underlying illness, developed right leg pain and swelling on June 22. He attended Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital the same day and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Despite operation was performed, the patient's condition deteriorated and he passed away the next day.
The case was referred to the coroner for investigation.
Specimens from his blood and wound grew Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and 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 cleaned and properly covered;
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
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