A man has died suddenly in Fife after contracting necrotising fasciitis, known as the "flesh-eating" bug.

His death on Tuesday has been revealed by Fife Health Board, which has only said that he was in his 20s.

The man did not die in hospital and was not receiving treatment for any other condition.

Public health medicine consultant Dr Margaret Hannah said the board passed on its condolences to the man's family.

She added: "It is important to remember that necrotising fasciitis is very uncommon and even for those who have close, prolonged contact with a person with this disease, the chance of getting it is extremely unlikely."

The board says the spread of any infection can be limited by the use of basic hygiene practices.

Necrotising fasciitis, it points out, can progress very rapidly. Treatment is by antibiotics and surgery is often needed to remove the affected areas.

Recent stories about the bug affecting patients in Airdrie prompted concerns about hygiene in hospitals.