By David Vera
The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has recorded eight firecracker-related injuries and hundreds of cases of other health emergencies during the holiday season.
The firecracker-related injuries occurred in Padre Burgos and Maasin City in Southern Leyte; Guiuan in Eastern Samar; Tacloban City, Abuyog, and Barugo in Leyte; and San Jorge in Samar. The victims, all males aged 11 to 40, sustained eye and hand injuries caused by whistle bombs, kwitis (skyrocket), and lantaka (portable cannon) between December 23 and 31.
In addition to firecracker incidents, the DOH reported 515 cases of other injuries, including 359 road accidents. Other cases involved animal bites, burns, falls, and injuries caused by bladed weapons, many of which were recorded in Samar province.
Since December 21, 12 deaths have been reported due to various accidents and health emergencies, including holiday-related incidents. Health facilities also logged 208 cases of non-communicable diseases, such as acute stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma, which were linked to unhealthy diets and lifestyle practices during the festive season.
“This season of celebration and vacation, we, in the Department of Health, once again call for a fun but safe celebration for every family,” the DOH regional office said Wednesday. “Make sure the food on the table is still nutritious; accompany it with regular exercise and discipline.”
The public was urged to avoid drinking alcohol, especially if driving, and to participate in community fireworks displays instead of using individual firecrackers to ensure safety.
For the first time, the DOH has included monitoring of illnesses related to unhealthy diets and holiday injuries alongside firecracker-related cases. Health facilities were instructed to track acute stroke and acute coronary syndrome, conditions often linked to the consumption of excessive sweets, salt, and fats during the holidays.