The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, Dec. 28, appealed for the family of a 4-year-old boy to bring him back to a hospital after accidentally swallowing watusi at home.

According to the health agency, the hospital could not contact the patient’s family following the incident.

“Sa pinakabagong update mula sa tumanggap na ospital, hindi makontak ang pamilya. Umaapela ang DOH sa mga magulang at pamilya ng pasyente na bumalik sa ospital para sa kaukulang atensyong medikal,” it stated.

DOH said the first sign of watusi ingestion might not appear immediately, but underscored that it could result in death if not attended promptly.

“Hindi na maglalabas ng karagdagang detalye ang DOH sa publiko para maiwasang mapahiya ang pasyente at ang kanyang pamilya. Nagpapaalala rin ang DOH sa lahat ng mga ospital na maging maingat at manigurado sa pag-refer at paglipat ng mga pasyente,” it added.

The health agency said watusi is deadly because it contains yellow phosphorus, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and trinitrotoluene and its candy-like nature could lead children to ingest them.