MANILA, Philippines – Sixty-two more people were hurt due to firecrackers as they welcomed the New Year, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday, January 1.

This brings the total firework-related injuries to 235 from December 21, 2025 to January 1, 4 am.

DOH data showed 69% of the victims were aged below 20.

Most of the injured were hurt from firecrackers that are unknown to them as well as boga and 5-Star.

This year’s firework-related injuries is 42% lower than the 403 cases recorded in the same period last year.

The DOH will continue its monitoring until January 5.

“The DOH anticipates that late reports will come in from today [January] 1 all the way to  [January] 5. We hope the lower count will stay,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said.

Domingo advised victims to consult with the nearest hospital, regardless of the wound size, to avoid tetanus, a bacterial disease that affects the body’s muscles and nerves.

“Symptoms do not appear until around 8 days, some up to 21 days later, and they can be deadly. Vaccination against tetanus is available at hospitals,” he said.

According to the World Health Organization, tetanus symptoms include headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw then neck, difficulty swallowing, spasms, sweating, fever, and rigidity of abdominal muscles.

Besides wounds and burns, firecrackers may also cause blindness and loss of hearing. It may also trigger bronchial asthma. – Rappler.com