The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a case of necrotising fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, involving a 77-year-old Kwai Chung man.

He reported painful swelling on his right middle finger and a fever on November 24. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital and is now stable.

He tested positive for Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria which causes necrotising fasciitis, a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue which can cause death within 12 to 24 hours.

People should avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater and thoroughly clean and properly cover wounds.

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