14 hurt by firecrackers, 2 by stray bullets in CV

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health-7 recorded 12 firework-related incidents over the Christmas break, most of which happened in Cebu City.

Aside from the 12, the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of DOH-7 also recorded two injures reportedly due to stray bullets, one each in Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Of the 12 firework-related injuries, data from RESU showed that 10 occurred in Cebu province. One of the victims was injured in the eye while the rest were hurt from blast and burns.

In Cebu province, majority of the cases were reported in Cebu City with at least seven, followed by Lapu-Lapu City with two, and Mandaue City with one.

To note, Cebu City also had the most number of cases in 2015.

The remaining two firework-related cases were reported in Dauis, Bohol where one was also hurt from blast and burns, and in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, where one got amputated.

No case was reported in Siquijor province.

The surveillance team observed that the firecrackers commonly used by the victims were Piccolo, Whistle Bomb, Five Star, Rapid, and Fountain.

Data showed further that 84.62 percent of the victims have been treated and advised to go home while 15.38 percent are still undergoing treatment.

The youngest of the reported individuals is aged six years old. Most of the victims or 85.71 percent are male.

The surveillance unit noted further that half of the cases happened along the streets while the other half happened at home.

Almost half of the cases or 42.86 percent involved those who did not light the firecrackers directly. (FREEMAN)