Health Action in Crises

Gas gangrene not contagious, cases reported in earthquake zone

GENEVA/BEIJING 23 May 2008 - Chinese authorities have reported a number of cases of gas gangrene among patients with injuries sustained in the May 12 earthquake.

Gas gangrene generally occurs at the site of trauma - typically for injuries where body parts have been starved of blood supply. It is most often caused by infection of the tissues by a bacteria found in soil. These organisms create gas that may be felt within the infected tissues or seen on X-ray.

Another form of gangrene that does not create gas also occurs in injuries where body parts have been starved of blood supply. This is caused by bacteria found normally on human skin. Either form of gangrene is life threatening and needs to be treated rapidly with surgical removal (debridement and amputation) and antibiotics.

No forms of gangrene, including gas gangrene, are contagious, said Dr Arturo Pesigan, a specialist in emergency and humanitarian action at the World Health Organization's Western Pacific Region Office. But it can be spread through poor infection control practices, such as bacteria being passed from patient to patient via contaminated surgical instruments or gloves.

As gas gangrene is not naturally transmitted from person to person, there is no need for patients to be isolated. However, the practice of grouping together patients infected with the same organism is often used in emergencies for more effective management of injured survivors.

There are reports that isolation wards have been set up in the earthquake zone. We are seeking information on their purpose.

For further information contact: Paul Garwood Communications Officer Health Action in Crises WHO, Geneva Mobile: +41 7974 555 46 Email: [email protected]

Peter Cordingley Communications Officer WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific Manila, Philippines Telephone: +63 2 582 9991/92 Mobile: +63 917 844 Email: [email protected]