IN THE first 24 hours of its nationwide surveillance, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded two fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs).

The two cases involved a 23-year-old male from the National Capital Region and a 4-year-old female from Cagayan Valley. They were brought to the Philippine General Hospital and Southern Isabela Medical Center for treatment.

The health department said both suffered burn injuries caused by kwitis and an unknown firecracker, respectively.

The victims were said to be passive users. Their cases were reported from 6 a.m. of December 21 until 5:59 a.m. of December 22.

“Two cases of FWRI (Fireworks-Related Injuries) were reported. This year, cases were 67 percent lower from the 2018 cases reported, which is six,” said the DOH.

The health department said there were also no cases of fireworks ingestion and stray bullet reported, adding that no deaths have been reported as well.

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III urged all public hospitals to remain on alert, as more FWRIs are expected in the coming days.

"We will go on Code White Alert during this time to ensure the readiness of hospitals, medical supplies, and human health resources," said Duque. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)