Grade 4 pupil dies after ‘routine deworming’
MANILA, Philippines — A Grade 4 pupil from Trece Martires City, Cavite, died of an infection following a deworming activity, according to initial medical findings cited by the Department of Education (DepEd).
Several pupils at Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex also reportedly fell ill, following the “routine deworming activity” conducted on July 2 in coordination with the City Health Office.
The Grade 4 learner, identified only as “Rex,” was hospitalized on July 3 after experiencing vomiting and died later that day.
“Based on initial medical findings, the cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock,” DepEd said in a statement on Monday, without citing the hospital.
READ: Father of student who died after school deworming wants son’s autopsy
Septic shock is the most critical stage of sepsis, when undischarged waste in the body begins to infect the bloodstream and other vital organs.
‘Navigate this tragedy’
The department also said “We are committed to understanding fully what happened, and are working closely with health authorities as they investigate.”
READ: National Deworming Month: Infections mirror deep poverty
“DepEd is also taking this opportunity to review our own health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of every learner,” it added.
“We respectfully ask the public to keep the bereaved family in their thoughts and to rely on verified information from health experts as we navigate this tragedy together,” DepEd said.
School’s statement
In their statement, the school administration said it is coordinating with the Schools Division Office of Cavite, and with investigators.
“As a learner-centered public institution with the welfare of the children and the youth at its heart, we are committed not only to ensure the building of a truly educated population, but to safeguard the health, life and limb of every learner from all walks of society, as well,” the school said in a statement.
DepEd officials in Cavite said they would cooperate with any investigation and legal proceedings.
“[We] will wholly cooperate and be amenable whenever the need arises, living up to the time-honored principle of ‘public office is a public trust,’” they said.
Family wants autopsy
The child’s family is seeking a thorough investigation into his death.
The family of the Grade 4 pupil postponed his burial, which had been scheduled for Saturday, to allow an autopsy to be conducted.
Relatives also planned to seek the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation and file appropriate complaints against those they believe may be held accountable. —WITH A REPORT FROM DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.
