DOH airs alarm over tetanus cases

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) sounded the alarm over firecracker-related tetanus cases yesterday after two persons, including a six-year-old boy, were rushed to the San Lazaro Hospital for tetanus days after sustaining firecracker injuries during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

DOH National Epidemiology Center Dr. Eric Tayag said both victims were the ones who lit up the firecrackers and did not get anti-tetanus shots after they were injured.

The first victim is a six-year-old boy from Makati City who sustained injuries in his right hand from a “five star,” a banned firecracker, last Jan. 1. He was rushed to the hospital on Jan. 9 after he developed symptoms of tetanus.

The other victim is a 30-year-old man from Citadel, Tandang Sora, Quezon City who received slight burns on his forearm from an exploding “triangle.” He was admitted on Jan. 10.

“That’s what we have been telling the public. Even slight injuries or burns should not be ignored because tetanus can still develop in them,” Tayag told The STAR.

He reiterated the DOH’s call for those who suffered injuries and burns from fireworks to get vaccinated against tetanus. No firecracker-related tetanus cases were reported to the DOH following the New Year celebration in 2009. For the 2011 revelry, the DOH recorded a total of 972 firecracker-related tetanus and 11 poisoning from pyrotechnics ingestion across the country. 

“They still have time because the (longest) incubation period for tetanus is 28 days. I hope that they won’t wait for tetanus to set in before seeing a doctor because it might be too late when that happens,” Tayag said.

Tetanus is a serious condition caused by tetanus bacteria, which can be found in saliva, soil, dust and manure. The illness is characterized by tightening of the muscles and in advanced stages, the patient experiences respiratory spasm and lockjaw.