Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]
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Necrotising fasciitis case under investigation
24 November 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 56-year-old man with underlying illness.
The patient lives in Kowloon City. He presented with fever, chills and rigor and malaise since November 20. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 21.
On admission, he was found to have left lower limb erythema and tenderness. No obvious wound was noticed. Blistering developed over his left calf and subsequently right leg after admission. An emergency operation with wide excision of affected areas was performed on November 23.
The diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. The patient is now in critical condition and required intensive care.
Laboratory tests on his blood samples yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.
People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:
-24 November 2011
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 56-year-old man with underlying illness.
The patient lives in Kowloon City. He presented with fever, chills and rigor and malaise since November 20. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 21.
On admission, he was found to have left lower limb erythema and tenderness. No obvious wound was noticed. Blistering developed over his left calf and subsequently right leg after admission. An emergency operation with wide excision of affected areas was performed on November 23.
The diagnosis was necrotising fasciitis. The patient is now in critical condition and required intensive care.
Laboratory tests on his blood samples yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.
His home contacts were asymptomatic. Investigation continues.
A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can 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; and
- Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish.
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