MANILA – Devotees were urged to avoid flagellation and crucifixion as forms of sacrifice in observance of the Lenten season.
The Department of Health warned those who perform the rituals during the Holy Week of the risk of tetanus infection.
“It will be better if they stop self-flagellation,” Health secretary Francisco Duque III told a news conference Tuesday. “There are really no known benefits of doing this.”
Instead whipping and getting themselves nailed on a cross, devotees may resort to safer forms of sacrifice, Duque stressed.
“It will be better for those who have intentions to self-flagellate to instead help the least disadvantaged sectors of society,” he said.
These rituals put the performers at risk of tetanus infection, which may lead to death, Duque said.
“In case they are really determined to do it, they should take proper precautions,” he said as he suggested getting anti-tetanus vaccine shots.
Tetanus, an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, can develop from infected wounds, cuts or lesions.
It can cause severe muscle spasms, affecting the brain and the entire nervous system, and may lead to death.
“Materials usually used by flagellants can be … a source of tetanus infection,” said the Health secretary. “Even if you say the whips were cleaned, they will eventually get dirty.”/PN
