Hong Kong man suffers ‘flesh-eating infection’ after acupuncture, leg amputated
Patient, 47, sprained his back while lifting heavy objects before seeking traditional Chinese medicine treatment, investigations show
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.
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 physical 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 his left hip and numbness in his left leg and foot.
The patient sought traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treatment from two registered practitioners in Sheung Wan and Causeway Bay on April 7, 9 and 10.