Beware:Handling Seafood may cause flesh-eating bacteria ( pictures included )

One type of bacteria that can cause flesh-eating bacteria syndrome is Vibrio vulnificus, which is found on certain sea creatures, including crabs, prawns and oysters. Dr Chlebicki said that one has to be careful when handling seafood. If one sustains a cut, one should immediately wash the wound clean and use alcohol to disinfect it thoroughly.

In 2007, local papers reported that an 83-year-old man died after getting pricked by a crab which infected him with flesh-eating bacteria. It was a tiny wound, but it took only 48 hours to kill him.

Another instances that a man become seriously ill in hospital after being infected with flesh-eating bacteria.

The Health Department says the 69-year-old man from Sham Shui Po injured himself while handling a crab at home.

He sought medical treatment after developing fever and painful swelling of his left leg. Blood tests revealed the presence of the bacteria, which can cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

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