A 47-year-old Hong Kong man has undergone an amputation of his left lower leg two days after developing a Group A Streptococcal infection following acupuncture treatment he received at two traditional Chinese medicine clinics.
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The Centre for Health Protection said on Tuesday the man developed a fever and left thigh pain on April 11, and subsequently sought care from a private hospital, where he was diagnosed with septic shock and necrotising fasciitis, commonly known as “flesh-eating infection”.
He was transferred to Queen Mary Hospital the next day, and underwent a left lower limb amputation the following day. The centre said the man, who had underlying illnesses, remained hospitalised in stable condition.
Group A Streptococcal infection is caused by bacteria, namely Streptococcus pyogenes, that can be found in the throat and on the skin. It can be transmitted by droplets and contact.
The centre said the initial epidemiological investigations revealed on April 6 that the patient had sprained his back while lifting heavy objects, subsequently experiencing pain in their left hip and numbness in their left leg and foot.
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The patient sought traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treatment from two registered practitioners in Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay on April 7, 9 and 10.
During the incubation period, the patient did not travel overseas or sustain wounds or other skin-breaking injuries, while his household contacts did not exhibit any symptoms.