Man ill with flesh-eating disease

March 19, 2013

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis involving a 65-year-old man.
 
He felt pain and swelling in his right leg on March 12 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 15.
 
He tested positive for Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis. His right leg was amputated and he is now in serious condition.
 
He has no recent travel history and his family members are asymptomatic.
 
Necrotising fasciitis is a bacterial infection which can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours.