The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a case of necrotising fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, involving a 56-year-old man living in Sha Tin.

Redness, pain and blisters were found over his right lower leg on August 6 and he was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital the next day for treatment. Surgery was performed to remove the dead tissue, and he is now in stable condition.

Wound-swab tests yielded vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria that causes flesh-eating disease. It can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

People should avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater or salty water and thoroughly clean and properly cover wounds. Click here for more health tips.