The Department of Health (DOH) 8 in Eastern Visayas reported a concerning surge in fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) during the recent holiday celebrations. On January 3, 2024, officials disclosed a staggering increase from six cases in 2022 to 29 cases this season. Jelyn Lopez-Malibago, DOH Regional Information Officer, attributed this surge to the fervor surrounding the first year of post-pandemic celebrations.
The recorded FWRI cases detailed 17 new instances across Region 8, with two males and four females being added today. Among the victims were a 1-year-old girl from Tacloban City, admitted on December 31, 2023, and a 33-year-old man from Guiuan, Eastern Samar, admitted on December 30, 2023. The most senior victim, a 69-year-old man from Laoang, Northern Samar, also sustained injuries.
The DOH stated that some of the victims were treated and discharged, while others continued receiving medical attention or returned home.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reported a nationwide increase in FWRI, reaching a total of 116 cases according to the latest Department of Health data. This included 231 cases across the country.
Eastern Visayas documented 29 FWRI cases during the holiday period, marking a 383 percent rise from the previous year. However, no major injuries were reported during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The injuries primarily consisted of burns caused by various fireworks like sky rockets, fountains, five stars, and homemade cannons.
Out of the 29 recorded cases between December 21, 2023, and January 3, 2024, Leyte province accounted for 12 victims, while Eastern Samar and Samar provinces combined reported 12 injuries. Additional cases were registered across Northern Samar, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.
Monitoring of blast injuries is set to continue until January 6, as the DOH expresses gratitude to various partners, healthcare workers, and the public for their concerted efforts in promoting safer holiday festivities.
Meanwhile, the regional police apprehended two unauthorized firecracker sellers in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. They also seized 4,006 pieces of banned fireworks in various areas, valuing PHP137, 125. A contingent of approximately 2,563 police personnel was deployed across the region during the holiday season.
In a separate incident, the Provincial Health Office of Eastern Samar reported consecutive FWRI cases involving injuries from exploding firecrackers on December 26, 2023. The first victim, a 24-year-old man from Borongan City, suffered eye and ear injuries due to an unexpected explosion. The second victim, a 6-year-old boy from Taft, Eastern Samar, sustained eye and knee injuries.
Both victims received immediate medical attention, including wound care, antibiotic treatment, and anti-tetanus vaccination. While not hospitalized, they were advised to seek specialist eye examinations due to the severity of their eye injuries.
Officials urged the public to avoid using any form of firecrackers to prevent accidents during this holiday season. They highlighted alternative ways to celebrate safely, such as refraining from using torotot (party horns), minimizing car horn usage, or singing karaoke at lower volumes, ensuring a safe start to the New Year.
The Provincial Health Office surveillance team will maintain vigilance and continue monitoring FWRI cases until January 5.
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