ILLEGAL. PNP Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jose Hildalgo Jr. (center) shows to Bulacan provincial director Col. Relly Arnedo and Bocaue Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna some of the illegal firecrackers during an inspection on Wednesday in Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan. The Department of Health on Thursday (Dec. 28, 2023) warned against the use of firecracker "watusi" as new cases related to fireworks involved a four-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed watusi at home. (Photo by Manny Balbin)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday warned against the use of firecracker "watusi" as new cases related to fireworks involved a four-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed watusi at home.
In its latest case bulletin, the DOH noted that most children often mistake watusi for candy due to its size and color.
The boy is one of the 13 new fireworks-related injuries the DOH has recorded as of Thursday at 6 a..m.
“Watusi is deadly. Watusi contains yellow phosphorus, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and trinitrotoluene,” the DOH said.
“Ingestion will lead to death. Bring the patient to the emergency room ASAP. Do not buy or allow any watusi to be at your home.”
If watusi is swallowed, the DOH advises to not induce vomiting. Children may be given six to eight raw egg whites while adults maybe given eight to 12 raw egg whites before bringing them to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If caught in the eye, the patient is advised to immediately wash with clean water for at least 15 minutes, keeping eyelids open then seek immediate medical assistance.
If skin is affected, the affected areas must be immediately washed with plenty of clean water. Remove contaminated clothing.
The patient must breathe in clean and fresh air if watusi is inhaled. He or she must be kept comfortable until urgent medical assistance is given.
Return to hospital
Meanwhile, the DOH has appealed to the family of the four-year-old boy from Calabarzon who swallowed watusi to return to the hospital for proper medical attention.
In a statement issued Thursday, the DOH reported that the patient's parents cannot be contacted by the receiving hospital.
"The signs and symptoms of watusi poisoning may not be immediate, and may manifest in the next few hours and be persistent for a few days. Death is a risk," it said.
To avoid stigmatizing the patient and his family, the DOH said it would not release any further details to the public.
The agency also reminded hospitals nationwide to be careful and certain in referring and transferring patients.
The new fireworks-related cases were mostly males, ranging from 5 to 49 years old. Twelve of these new cases occurred at home and in the streets. Only five 5 or 42 percent were due to illegal fireworks.
Since the DOH started surveillance of fireworks-related injuries on Dec. 21, it has recorded a total of 88 cases nationwide.
The top regions which logged the most number of injuries include the National Capital Region with 31 cases or 35 percent of the overall tally; Central Luzon with 11 or 12 percent; Ilocos Region with 10 or 11 percent; and Bicol Region, Davao Region and Soccsksargen, all with five or 6 percent.
The top ranking identified fireworks that caused 68 percent of the fireworks related injuries are Boga, 5-Star, Kwitis, Piccolo, Pla-Pla, Whistle Bomb, and Luces. (PNA)
