Fireworks-related injuries up by 52 percent — DoH

The Department of Health on Friday said the reported cases of fireworks-related injuries are 54 percent higher, surpassing the reported cases in the same period last year.

Based on its latest report, the country logged five new fireworks-related injuries bringing the total cases to 41, a day before the New Year's eve celebration.

Despite the upward trend, the DoH said the figure is 16 percent lower than the five-year average of 49 cases during the same period.

Most of the fireworks-related injuries occurred in Western Visayas with 10 cases, while Bicol Region recorded six cases, and Soccsksargen reported four cases.

Of the 49 reported cases, 38 were male with ages ranging from 1 to 64 years old.

A total of 22 individuals from the caseload sustained burn injuries in the eye, while two cases had blast injuries with amputation.

Out of the 49 cases, 16 were injured due to firecrackers — "boga", five were from using illegal fireworks such as "Five-Star", four were from using "whistle bombs", and three were from "kwitis."

So far, the DoH said there were no reported cases of fireworks ingestion and stray bullet injuries.