A 50-year-old man is fighting for his life after being infected with necrotising fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease.

The Centre for Health Protection said the Sham Shui Po resident found a rash on his left calf August 30 and later developed painful swelling over both calves. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on September 1 and is in critical condition.

He tested positive for vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis. The disease can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours of infection.

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