MANILA — In a concerning update on Thursday (28 Dec 2023), the Department of Health (DOH) disclosed the first case of watusi ingestion this holiday season, contributing to a total of 88 injuries related to fireworks just four days before the New Year celebrations.

The victim, a 4-year-old boy from Calabarzon, accidentally swallowed a watusi at home, as reported by the DOH on the seventh day of monitoring fireworks-related injuries.

The family of the child is currently unreachable, prompting the DOH to issue an appeal for them to return to the hospital for proper medical attention.

According to the DOH, the signs and symptoms of watusi poisoning may not be immediate, potentially manifesting in the next few hours and persisting for days, with a significant risk of death.

Watusi, when ingested, poses a deadly threat due to its composition of yellow phosphorous, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and TNT (trinitrotoluene), an explosive.

Children often mistake the small, brightly colored firework for candy, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate medical attention if ingestion occurs.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo advised against inducing vomiting but suggested giving the patient egg white, which wraps around the yellow phosphorous, facilitating its removal in the hospital.

Beyond ingestion, watusi can also pose risks to the eyes. The DOH recommends immediate washing of the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seeking medical assistance with open eyelids.

Out of the 88 reported injuries nationwide, approximately 30 percent originated from Metro Manila. Regions with the highest cases include Central Luzon, Ilocos Region, Bicol Region, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen. Most injuries involved males who actively engaged with firecrackers, particularly illegal or highly explosive ones, with some cases resulting in severe damage, including amputations, regardless of their legal status. The DOH emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and caution during the New Year festivities.

(Liezelle Soriano/IAmigo/MNM)