The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced they were investigating a confirmed case of cholera this weekend.

Vibrio vulnificus/CDC
Vibrio vulnificus/CDC

The case involved a 31-year-old man who has diarrhea since May 22 after travelling to Shenzhen on May 20. He has developed on and off bowel symptoms since then and sought medical treatment from a private doctor on August 13.

Laboratory test today showed that his stool specimen yielded Vibrio cholerae O1 serotype Inaba. He is receiving isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital and is now in stable condition.

His travel collateral and home contact have no cholera symptoms. The mainland health authority has been notified of the case. The CHP’s investigation is underway.

In a separate investigation, health authorities announced today they were investigating a case of Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing fasciitis in a 71-year-old man.

The patient, with good past health, lives in Guangdong. He has developed left leg pain and swelling since August 9 and was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on August 12 for management. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on August 13 for further treatment and returned to the general ward today in stable condition.
The clinical diagnosis was left leg necrotizing fasciitis (NF). His left leg wound swab yielded VV upon preliminary laboratory testing by Princess Margaret Hospital. VV is a type of bacteria which can cause NF.
Investigations by the CHP are proceeding.
“NF is a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It can destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection,” a spokesman for the CHP explained. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page