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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH reports 137 fireworks-related injuries; most cases from Metro Manila 

DOH reports 137 fireworks-related injuries; most cases from Metro Manila 

Published Jan 1, 2023 01:47 pm

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday, Jan. 1, said that there are 137 reported cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) --- mostly coming from Metro Manila.

A teenager fires a 'boga' which is an improvised cannon made of cans and PVC pipe at Brgy. Culiat in Quezon City on Dec. 29, 2022. The Department of Health (DOH) reported that 'boga' and 'kwitis' were the most common type of fireworks that caused injuries in the past years. (NOEL B. PABALATE / MANILA BULLETIN)

During a media forum in Baguio City, DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire gave updates on reported injuries due to fireworks based on the latest “Iwas Paputok” campaign surveillance report.

As of 6 a.m. on Sunday, Vergeire said that there are 137 fireworks-related injuries after the sentinel hospitals reported additional 87 cases overnight.

Based on its latest monitoring, DOH said that the National Capital Region (NCR) has the “most number of fireworks-related injuries” both in 2021 and 2022. There was also a 10-percent increase in cases from 58in 2021 to 64 in 2022.

The Bicol Region, on the other hand, logged the “biggest increase” in cases this year with 28 percent or seven in 2021 to nine in 2022.

The MIMAROPA and Northern Mindanao Regions, Vergeire said, also reported FWRI cases this 2022 from no cases in 2021.

Vergeire noted that males were the “most affected sex” when it comes to FWRI while adolescents were the “most affected age group” particularly boys with ages 12 to 17.

Overall, Vergeire said that there is a “decrease” in the FWRI trend this year compared to last year.

“Batay sa comparison report, mas mababa nang 15 percent ang kaso mula 2021 habang mas mababa nang 46 percent kumpara sa five-year average period (Based on the comparison report, cases were 15 percent lower from 2021 while 46 percent lower compared to the five-year average period),” Vergeire explained.

She added that in 2021, 53 percent of fireworks-related injury cases were caused by the use of legal fireworks.

“Ngayong taon, ito'y mas mababa nang bahagya — o bumubuo ng 48 percent ng mga kaso (This year, it is slightly less — or makes up 48 percent of the cases),” she said.

Moreover, Vergeire said that seven regions reported a decrease in the number of FWRI cases this year which include Regions III, CALABARZON, VII, I, CAR, and BARMM.

There were no changes reported in Regions II, VII, IX, XI, XII, and CARAGA.

DOH also noted that injuries requiring amputation were lesser this year compared to last year.

Meanwhile, Vergeire explained that there were more injuries (52 percent) occurred in the street this year compared to last year at 44 percent. This, she noted, is mainly due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Based on the surveillance report, DOH said that “hand and eye remains the top anatomical sites injured due to fireworks.”

“Boga” and “kwitis,” on the other hand, were the most common type of fireworks that caused the injury.

This year, DOH said that 48 percent of injuries this year were caused by legal fireworks and most cases were “not intoxicated” with alcohol at the time of the injury.

Vergeire said that it will continue to monitor fireworks-related cases until Jan. 6. DOH is also monitoring injuries due to fireworks, fireworks ingestion, and stray bullet injuries --- if any --- after these are verified by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Meanwhile, Vergeire reminded the public that “proper adult supervision at home and strict law enforcement in the community” can help reduce FWRI cases.

The DOH also reiterated its commitment to “work with other agencies” to continue the campaign to prevent fireworks-related injuries.

Related Tags

2023 Fireworks-related injuries Department of Health (DOH) Maria Rosario Vergeire doh
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