Necrotizing fasciitis induced by Vibrio vulnificus in patients without marine contact in Hong Kong

Necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio species is a life-threatening soft tissue infection with rapid progression and high mortality. The classic history of Vibrio species–induced necrotizing fasciitis is the infection of wounds by direct invasion or contact with contaminated seawater or raw seafood, especially in immunocompromised patients. We present two cases of Vibrio vulnificus necrotizing fasciitis in the upper limb without any wounds or seawater contact and with good past medical history. Both underwent timely surgical debridement and resulted with good functional outcome. Although rare, as clinicians, we need to have a high index of suspicion for the possibility of V. vulnificus necrotizing fasciitis despite no risk factors and give timely and appropriate treatment and, more importantly, patient survival.