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DOH registers 15 new fireworks-related injuries; total reaches 600
DOH registers 15 new fireworks-related injuries; total reaches 600
The Department of Health (DOH) disclosed on Friday, Jan. 5, an increase in fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) after 15 more cases were recorded --- pushing the total count to 600.
It also revealed four new confirmed stray bullet injuries (SBIs) and 11 FWRI cases, including a 44-year-old male from the Ilocos Region, previously documented in the statistics, who did not survive the injuries sustained during a blasting incident associated with fireworks.
The individual had lit a cigarette while drinking near stored fireworks, marking the second death associated with the ongoing festivities.
In a statement, DOH emphasized that "every life affected by fireworks and stray bullets is a reason to change how we celebrate."
Meanwhile, the 11 new FWRI cases, spanning ages four to 72 (median age: 29), primarily involved males, constituting 82 percent of the cases.
An alarming 91 percent of these incidents occurred at home or in the streets, with the majority of 64 percent attributed to "illegal" fireworks.
Moreover, among the newly confirmed SBIs, the department noted that details emerged of a 28-year-old male from Calabarzon sustaining a gunshot wound (GSW) to his right arm while observing fireworks.
DOH reported two incidents from the Ilocos Region: a 22-year-old female with a GSW near her left ear and her 26-year-old brother with a GSW on his upper right back, both victims of a neighbor's celebratory gunfire.
The fourth SBI involved a 22-year-old male from Northern Mindanao with a GSW on his right arm while celebrating with family.
The DOH underscored the grim overall statistics, indicating 600 injuries, with 592 attributed to fireworks, one from Watusi ingestion, seven SBIs, and two fatalities.
Presently, DOH said 53 individuals are undergoing hospital treatment.
Metro Manila leads with 53 percent of cases (313), followed by the NCR, Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, and Central Luzon.
It stressed that regions with the fewest injuries include the Davao Region, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa.
Highlighting the hazardous types of fireworks, the DOH identified "Kwitis," "5-star," "Pla-pla," "Whistle Bomb," "Luces," "Boga," and "Fountain" as the leading causes of FWRI, accounting for 64 percent.
Additionally, 15 percent of cases involved unknown fireworks, while illegal fireworks were responsible for 38 percent of injuries, emphasizing the need for increased safety awareness during festive celebrations.