DOH logs 23 firecracker-related injuries; discourages use of 'torotot,' whistle

The Department of Health (DOH) said that the number of firecracker-related injuries for this year has now climbed to 23.
This is based on the data on the DOH Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance Report that started last Dec. 21.
"As of 6 a.m. of Dec. 28, 2021, a total of 23 fireworks-related injuries reported. These were 92 percent higher compared to 2020 (12 cases) and 64 percent lower than the five-year average (65 cases) during the same period," the DOH said.
"All cases were injuries due to fireworks... There was no fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injury, or death reported," it added.
The DOH noted that seven cases had blast/burn injury requiring amputation, 11 cases had blast/burn injury not requiring amputation, and six cases had an eye injury.
The type of fireworks that caused the injuries were boga, five-star, piccolo, triangle, whistle bomb, and baby rocket.
Avoid ‘torotot,’ whistle
The DOH also urged the public to avoid using “torotot” and whistles in welcoming the new year as these items could transmit the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
"Iwasan din ang paggamit ng torotot, pito at iba pang mga laruan na ginagamitan ng bibig upang maiwasan ang pagkakahawa-hawaan (Avoid using the torotot, whistle, and other toys that are used by mouth to prevent disease transmission)," said Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
The DOH suggested using other noisemakers such as household items or car horns.
"We encourage everyone to participate in community firework displays at a safe distance and to use other noise and light producing devices," said Vergeire.