DOH: Fireworks-related injuries now 41 with four new reported cases

The total number of fireworks-related injuries has increased to 41 after four new cases were reported as of Thursday, according to the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday.

In an update, the DOH said this is 52% higher compared to the 27 total cases of fireworks-related injuries during the same period in 2021.

The DOH said the reported cases came from its 61 sentinel hospitals nationwide.

Most of the cases were reported in Western Visayas with 10, followed by Bicol with six and Soccsksargen with four.

According to the DOH, most of these injuries were on eyes, hands, and arms.

Also, the DOH said most of the cases involved boga with 16 cases, followed by five star with five, whistle bomb with four, and kwitis with three.

DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said all hospitals are currently under code white in preparation for incidents related to  New Year revelries.

Code white means all hospitals are instructed to prepare and have a special team to address the concerns of those people going to hospitals with injuries due to firecrackers.

Vergeire also called other government agencies to enforce regulations to further prevent the increase of fireworks-related injuries. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News