Bataan PHO reports 5% increase in firecracker related injuries

BALANGA CITY, BATAAN — A total of 67 fireworks related injuries were reported to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) thru the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit from December 21, 2014 to January 5, 2015.

Dr. Rosanna Buccahan, Bataan PHO Chief said that the number of cases is 5% higher compared to the same period last year. The PHO recorded 64 cases last year. “The youngest victim is 2 years old and the oldest is 60 years old. Male victims cover 90 percent of the reported cases,” Dr. Buccahan said.

Balanga City, Limay and Mariveles reported the most number of cases with 13 cases respectively (19%). Majority of the victims (91%) suffered from blast/burn injuries while the remaining 9% suffered eye injuries. No amputated case was reported.

Piccolo was the most common type of firecracker that caused the injuries (58%) followed by kwitis (9%) and lusis (7%). “Fifty four cases or 81 percent had active involvement in using and lighting fireworks that caused the injuries, but these are all considered as minor injuries,” Buccahan concluded.