Tetanus claims first reveler for 2011

MANILA, Philippines - A 30-year-old man who sustained slight burns from a firecracker during the New Year revelry died of tetanus on Friday, the first of firecracker-related tetanus deaths for 2011, a Department of Health (DOH) official said yesterday.

DOH chief epidemiologist Dr. Eric Tayag said the fatality was the second reveler brought to the San Lazaro Hospital for tetanus. The victim, a resident of Citadel, Quezon City, was rushed to the SLH Jan. 10 after developing lockjaw and respiratory spasms, which are symptoms of tetanus. He died five days later.

The first tetanus victim brought to SLH, a six-year-old boy from Makati City, remains in serious condition. He was rushed to the hospital Jan. 9, days after he injured his right hand when he lit a “five star” firecracker on Jan. 1.

Tayag said two more revelers have been brought to SLH after developing tetanus from firecracker injuries.

One of them is a 43-year-old man from Cainta, Rizal who suffered injuries and burns on his arms and neck from “kwitis” on New Year’s Eve. He was brought to the SLH on Jan. 12.

The other victim is a 22-year-old man from Bacoor, Cavite who was brought to SLH last Jan. 14. He sustained burns and wounds in his right hand due to an exploding whistle bomb last Dec. 31.

Tayag is urging those who sustained burns and injuries from fireworks during the New Year to get anti-tetanus vaccination before it is too late. He said even small wounds or slight burns should not be ignored because tetanus bacteria can also thrive in them.