The Department of Health (DOH) is discouraging the public from doing self-flagellation and crucifixion amid the observance of Holy Week as these acts could lead to tetanus infection.
DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that they are not supporting these forms of sacrifices as these pose health risks.
“We do not encourage and we really do not push for or support this kind of activity during the Lenten season,” Vergeire said in a media forum on Tuesday, April 4.
“Unang-una, ang maaari niyong makuha kapag kayo ay nagpapapako sa krus ay tetano. Maaari din niyong makuha ay matetano din kayo---yung flagellation (First of all, you could get tetanus if you get crucified. You could also get it if you do flagellation),” she added.
Those who are planning to perform such acts could also get other serious infections which can develop from wounds or cuts, said Vergeire, adding that they can also experience “bruises and sprains.”
“Maari naman tayong gumawa ng ibang sakripisyo para ipakita ang ating pananampalataya (We can do other acts of sacrifices to show our faith),” said the Health official.
“Maiwasan po sana natin dahil ito po mas maaaring magkaroon ng bad effects sa ating pangangatawan at kalusugan (I hope we can avoid doing these because these can have bad effects on our bodies and health),” she added.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that tetanus is “an infection caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. When these bacteria enter the body, they produce a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions.”
Meanwhile, Vergeire also cautioned the public from kissing religious statues. Such acts could also cause transmission of diseases.
“Iyon pong ating paghahalik sa mga poon, wala po tayong restriction sa ngayon. Katulad ng sabi ko, maaari natin gawin kung ano yung mga usual na ginagawa natin. Dapat lang ang bawat isa sa atin alam natin kung paano tayo magiingat (We don’t have any restrictions regarding the kissing of religious statues. As I’ve said, we can do the things that we usually do. However, each of us should know how to take care of ourselves),” she said.
“Kung sa tingin niyo ay hindi kayo magiging safe (If you think you won't be safe), don't do that,” she added.