By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded an additional 38 cases of firecracker-related injuries yesterday, bringing the total cases to 58, following the New Year’s Day celebrations.

At least 16 eye injuries were logged, two were tagged as blast and burn injuries with no amputation, while two were tagged as injuries with amputation.

PHO’s data revealed that from December 25, 2023 to January 2, 2024, Kabankalan City had the highest number of firecracker-related injuries in the province with 12, followed by Hinigaran town with seven, and Bago City with five.

Two amputations due to firecracker-related injuries were noted to be from Kabankalan and Hinigaran.

Eleven fireworks-related injuries were caused by boga or homemade cannon, as one amputation case was recorded in Kabankalan.

A total of 52 admitted patients were sent home, five were transferred to a higher medical facility, while one required hospital admission.

Most victims of fireworks-related injuries were aged seven to 57 years old, while most victims of firecrackers were aged 11 to 20 years old.

Earlier, PHO head Dr. Girlie Pinongan said that most cases of firecracker-related injuries were children who picked up unexploded firecrackers.

The monitoring period for firecracker-related incidents will continue until Saturday, January 6.

The PHO noted that they also saw an increase in cardiovascular-related illnesses during the holidays./DGB, WDJ