Man amputated after flesh-eating disease infection allegedly during acupuncture
發佈日期: 2025-04-29 23:50
TVB News
A man had to undergo amputation after Group A Streptococcal infection with necrotising fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating disease.
Preliminary investigations from the Centre for Health Protection found that the 47-year-old patient might have been infected during acupuncture procedures.
So far, authorities have not received any reports of adverse reactions from other patients at the clinics. The patient is in stable condition.
One of the registered Chinese medical practitioners where the patient received acupuncture treatment was in Causeway Bay. Staff from the Department of Health reviewed their procedures for acupuncture and infection control.
Lab results showed that one of the environmental specimens at the premises tested positive for Group A Streptococcus belonging to the same type in the patient's specimens.
Another registered Chinese medicine practitioner the patient visited is in Sheung Wan. The Department of Health sent staff to the clinic on multiple occasions but it has not been open for business.
The man sustained an accidental sprain on April 6th while lifting a heavy object and developed pain in his left buttock and numbness in his left leg and foot.
He then received acupuncture treatment over the next four days from two registered Chinese medical practitioners. He has no travel history and no other wounds.
The patient developed a fever and left thigh pain on April 11th and sought medical treatment from a private hospital on the same day.
After being diagnosed with the flesh-eating infection, complicated by septic shock, he was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital the next day. He underwent amputation of his left lower limb on April 13th.
Group A Streptococcal infection can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt treatment helps prevent complications.
The public are advised to practise hand hygiene frequently, avoid sharing personal items and put on a surgical mask if going to crowded places.
