DOH logs 235 fireworks-related injuries; New Year celebrations add 62 cases
By Jel Santos
(SANTI SAN JUAN/MB PHOTO)
The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 235 fireworks-related injuries nationwide since Dec. 21, including 62 new cases sustained during the New Year’s celebrations.
The figures were reported by 62 sentinel hospitals being monitored by the health department.
Of the total cases, the DOH said 161 victims were aged 19 years old and below.
The health department noted that most injuries were caused by unidentified types of fireworks, followed by boga, and 5-star firecrackers.
The DOH said the latest total number of fireworks-related injuries is 42 percent lower than last year’s tally of 403 cases.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the agency expects additional cases to be reported from Jan. 1 through Jan. 5, as delayed reports continue to come in.
“In the meantime, all who had encounters with fireworks, no matter how small the wound, should seek consultation at the nearest hospital to avoid tetanus,” Domingo said on Thursday, Jan. 1.
“Symptoms do not appear until around eight days, and in some cases up to 21 days later, and they can be deadly. Vaccination against tetanus is available at hospitals.”