MANILA, Philippines — Cases of fireworks injuries decreased by 34 percent this year compared to last year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Tuesday. In its fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) report, the DOH said a total of 340 injuries were recorded from Dec. 21, 2018 to Jan. 5, 2019, which was 175 cases fewer than the recorded cases during the same period last year. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III noted that both legal and illegal fireworks caused injuries, especially among the 5 to 9 years old age group. Duque also advised victims of fireworks injuries to undertake immediate medical treatment at the nearest health facilities. Despite the decrease, the DOH vowed to continue their Iwas Paputok Campaign to achieve zero fireworks-related injuries during the holidays.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 08, 2019 13:18 UTC