Forensic expert finds pattern leading to 3 Dengvaxia recipients’ deaths

A team of forensic experts examines a child believed to have died of severe dengue three months after being inoculated with the Dengvaxia vaccine. TETCH TORRES-TUPAS/INQUIRER.net

Forensic examination conducted on three children inoculated with Dengvaxia vaccine indicated patterns that led to their death, a forensic expert said Tuesday.

Dr. Erwin Erfe, director of the Public Attorneys’ Office (PAO) Forensic Laboratory, said they have examined the body of three children that received  the Dengvaxia vaccine and discovered the following pattern: internal bleeding, enlarged organs and all died within six months after receiving the vaccine.

The first body examined was that of 10-year old Anjielica Pestillos who died last Dec. 15, 2017. She received Dengvaxia in September 2017.

Her death certificate indicated that she died of systemic lupus erythematosus or an auto immune disease.

Initial examination showed that she had an enlarged liver weighing more than a kilo which, according to Dr. Erfe in an interview with Inquirer.net, is not normal for a 10 year old girl.

She also had enlarged kidneys and spleen.

On the other hand, 10-year old Lenard Baldonado from San Pedro, Laguna died of septic shock secondary to raptured appendix.

However, forensic examination showed that he had bleeding lungs and enlarged organs.

Dr. Erfe said Baldonado was supposed to undergo surgery but before it was conducted, he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Meanwhile, 11-year old Zandro Colite from Cavite suffered bleeding from the brain, lungs, heart and liver. Dr. Erfe said he also had enlarge organs.

“They all died within six months after receiving the vaccine. Their health condition went rapidly downhill,” Dr. Erfe said over the phone.

Dr. Erfe said he was actually hoping that they would not find a pattern after examining the children’s bodies.

“I prayed we would not find a pattern in the deaths of these children, hoping that the rest of our children will be safe. Unfortunately, a pattern is slowly emerging and it is  just sad,” he said, adding that they have more bodies set for examination. /je