PIA Press Release
Thursday, January 12, 2012 Capiz Tetanus Watch continuesby Alex A. Lumaque ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 12 (PIA) -- A surveillance for possible cases of tetanus due to firecracker injury in Capiz has yielded negative result as of Jan. 11. This was disclosed by Capiz Provincial Health Office (PHO) Public Information Officer Joeffry M. Espiritu, adding that the activity will continue until Jan. 21 this year. Based on a PHO report submitted to the Department of Health (DOH) last week, the number of firecracker and boga – related injuries who sought medical treatment in various hospitals rose to 32 since Dec. 21 last year. The figure is higher than the 24 cases in 2010. PHO has called on Capiceños who have wounds and injuries caused by or related to fireworks to see doctors for their injections of tetanus toxoid and tetanus anti-toxin. Espiritu noted that firecracker wounds or cuts must not be taken for granted as these may serve as entry points for tetanus-causing bacteria. The PHO said they should watch for symptoms of tetanus infection which include high fever, lock jaw, problem in swallowing and breathing, seizure, and muscle spasms, among others. (JCM/AAL/PIA 6 Capiz) | 
