Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 29) is investigating a case of Group A Streptococcal infection with necrotising fasciitis (NF).
The case involves a 47-year-old male with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever and left thigh pain on April 11 and sought medical treatment from a private hospital on Hong Kong Island on the same day. Due to the clinical diagnosis of NF complicated by septic shock, he was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital for treatment on the following day. He underwent amputation of his left lower limb on April 13. The patient is still hospitalised and is in stable condition. His clinical specimens tested positive for Group A Streptococcus.• Perform hand hygiene frequently. Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds; then rinse with water and dry with a disposable paper towel or hand dryer. If hand washing facilities are not available, or when hands are not visibly soiled, they may be cleaned with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Clean wounds immediately and cover properly with waterproof adhesive dressings until healed;
• Treat wounds immediately even for minor or non-infected wounds;
• Perform hand hygiene before and after touching wounds;
• Avoid going to swimming pools, other water facilities or natural bodies of water, e.g. rivers, lakes and oceans if you have an open wound; and
• Consult a doctor promptly if symptoms of infection develop, such as increasing redness, swelling and pain on the skin.