Holy Week 2019 tetanus warning

Image/Philippines DOH

Every year at this time, Philippines health officials issue a warning to those who practice self-flagellation and crucifixion in the predominant Catholic country  concerning the tetanus risk.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Enrique Domingo said penitents who will be nailed to the cross should sterilize the nails, as well as the sharp objects that will be used during the flagellation.

“What is scary is tetanus. The penitent’s wounds — especially those who are going to be crucified — might get infected. So we request the local government units to sterilize the nails that will be used because many things could happen if these are unclean,” he said.

Apart from washing wounds with soap and clean water, Domingo said they must be dressed with antiseptics.

“A penitent should get an anti-tetanus vaccination in advance because this creates antibodies. If the penitent has been vaccinated, a booster shot would be effective,” he said.


Zamboanga City Jail measles

Measles rash
Image/CDC

The Philippines is in the middle of a nationwide measles outbreak, which as of Apr. 5, 28,362 cases including 389 deaths have been reported from all 17 Regions of the country.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) report at least 10 cases at the female detention facility of the Zamboanga City Jail (ZCJ) since the beginning of the year.

Officials say the inmates were  immediately isolated to attempt to prevent spread.

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Senior Insp. April Joy Bueco, ZCJ female warden said that a physician is checking the health condition of the female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) and “if hospitalization is needed, they are brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center.”