The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a total of 88 fireworks-related injuries as of early Thursday, with an alarming 13 new cases emerging. Among the new cases is a 4-year-old boy from Calabarzon who inadvertently swallowed a watusi firecracker.
According to the DOH, twelve of the new incidents occurred either at home or in public spaces, involving 10 males with ages ranging from five to 49 years old. Notably, 69% of the recent injuries resulted from active involvement in handling fireworks, while 42% were attributed to the use of illegal fireworks.
An overwhelming 96% of the reported cases took place in domestic settings, predominantly affecting males engaged in the handling of firecrackers.
The DOH issued a stern warning to the public regarding the ingestion of watusi, emphasizing its potential fatality. “Children often mistake them for candy due to their size and color,” the DOH cautioned.
In the case of the 4-year-old from Calabarzon, who swallowed a watusi, the DOH expressed concern as the child’s parents and family remain unreachable. Urging them to return to the hospital for proper medical attention, the DOH highlighted the delayed onset of symptoms in watusi poisoning, emphasizing the risk of death.
“There are now eighty-eight fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) overall, with three out of every ten cases coming from NCR (31, 35%),” the DOH revealed. Following NCR in rank as to the number of cases are Central Luzon (11, 12%), Ilocos Region (10, 11%), Bicol Region (5, 6%), Davao Region (5, 6%), and Soccsksargen (5, 6%).
Identifying the primary culprits, the DOH listed Boga, 5-Star, Kwitis, Piccolo, Pla-Pla, Whistle Bomb, and Luces as the top-ranked fireworks responsible for almost seven out of every ten (68%) FWRI cases. Illegal fireworks were implicated in about six out of every ten cases (52, 59%).
The DOH stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for those who have ingested watusi. As first aid measures, the DOH advised against inducing vomiting but recommended administering 6-8 raw egg whites for children and 8-12 raw egg whites for adults to counter the immediate absorption of poisonous chemicals.
Additionally, for cases involving particles of firecrackers or fireworks in the eyes, the DOH recommended washing with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes. Affected skin should be washed immediately, and contaminated clothes should be changed. In cases of inhalation, individuals are advised to breathe in clean open space air and seek medical assistance promptly, the department emphasized.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
