DOH records first 5 amputation cases due to fireworks

The Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday that 24 new cases of fireworks-related injuries were reported from December 25 to 26, of which five led to the amputation of fingers and hands of the victims.

Based on DOH’s latest surveillance report, three minors and two adults—all of them male—were the first recorded victims this holiday season that suffered from traumatic amputations due to fireworks.

The fireworks involved were boga, plapla, five-star, and goodbye Philippines which were all illegal, as well as whistle bomb, which is considered legal.

Of the 24 cases, 22 occurred at home or nearby streets. Their ages ranged from 5 to 52, and only involved one female.

Twenty-one victims also had active involvement with fireworks, with 16 of the fireworks used being illegal.

A total of 52 fireworks-related injuries have now been recorded days before the New Year celebration.

Most cases were recorded in the National Capital Region with 20 cases, Central Luzon with six cases, and Soccsksargen with five cases.

In a tweet, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reminded children not to play with fireworks, as the median age of victims is 13.2 years.

“Hoy bata! Hindi laruan ang paputok! Delikado 'yan!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

(Children, fireworks are not toys. These are dangerous.)

Meanwhile, a man in Pili, Camarines Sur was rushed to a hospital hours before Christmas after a firework called “boga” exploded on his hand.

A 17-year-old male in the municipality also sustained injury on his face on December 23 also due to boga.

The Pili Municipality Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office thus encouraged the public not to use any kind of fireworks on New Year, and use alternatives instead.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News