Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Penitents warned v. tetanus on Lent rites
HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III warned penitents against "tetanus and infections" that they could get while in the act of penitence this Holy Week, as they use poorly maintained whips.
"We are not trying to go against the Lenten tradition here because whipping has somewhat already become some form of "atonement for sins" for some of us. But this advice is important to make sure that no one will land in the hospital due to tetanus or other infections that penitents might get in the process," Duque said.
He explained that "getting deep cut wounds during whippings or lashings is inevitable and being exposed during the course of the penitence, with all the heat and dust blowing in the wind, welcomes all sorts of infections and bacteria like tetanus."
Duque said tetanus infection generally occurs through wound contamination, and often involves a cut or deep puncture wound.
"As the infection progresses, lockjaw develops. This is normally followed by difficulty in swallowing, general muscle stiffness and spasms in other parts of the body. It takes two to 14 days for symptoms to develop after infection. Symptoms peak 17 days after infection. It can be prevented, however, by proper immunization and by post-exposure prophylaxis," Duque said.
The DOH also advises pilgrims to bring their own drinking water and food during the traditional Visita Iglesia and Via Crusis.
"Bringing your own drinking water and food will not only spread you from contacting any food and water-borne diseases but will also save you some cash," Duque said.
"They should bring enough drinking water to cover the whole course of the pilgrimage to avoid dehydration and buying bottled drinking water from unfamiliar sources. We can never be sure how the juices and other cold drinks being sold in the streets are prepared, so it's better to be safe," he stressed.
"We never know when diseases strike so we have to be on-guard always when it comes to our health," he added. (MSN/Sunnex)
