TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas considered the Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign successful despite an increase in fireworks related injuries (FWRI) during the holiday season compared last year.

DOH-8 surveillance unit recorded 29 fireworks related injuries from December 21, 2023 to January 3, 2024 but no major injuries were reported.

Majority of the cases or 90% were due to blasting or minor burns.

Most of the victims were sent home immediately after treatment in some hospitals in the region.

Ages of the injured persons ranged from 1 to 69 years old; 72 percent were males; 29 percent sustained hand injuries; and 69 percent were caused by banned firecrackers such as kwitis, 5 star, alexander the great and lucis.

In a statement, Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino, DOH-8 regional director, said despite experiencing a substantial 383% increase in FWRI cases compared to the previous year, it is noteworthy that no major injuries were recorded during this period.

“The rise in cases was anticipated as this marked the first year post-pandemic where communities actively engaged in celebratory activities,” Sabalberino said.

Since 2020, where no injuries were recorded, the region has been considered to have low incidence in fireworks related injuries.

In 2021, DOH-8 recorded five cases only and six cases in 2022. (MMP/CBA/PIA-8)