Cavite student’s death linked to septic shock, infection

MANILA, Philippines — The cause of death of a Grade 4 student who participated in a deworming activity at Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City, Cavite was linked to an infection that led to septic shock, according to the Department of Education. In a statement, DepEd said the routine deworming activity conducted on July 2 was coordinated with the City Health Office.

“Several learners felt unwell afterward, and by July 3, the Grade 4 learner who passed away had been hospitalized after experiencing vomiting,” DepEd said. “Based on initial medical findings, the cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock.”

DepEd Assistant Secretary Roger Masapol said seven other students experienced adverse effects after the deworming activity, but noted that they have already recovered and returned to school.

He added that an investigation is being conducted to determine if the death of the Grade 4 pupil could be directly attributed to the school’s deworming activity.

“We want to assure everyone that the safety and well-being of our learners remain our highest priority. We are committed to understand fully what happened, and are working closely with health authorities as they investigate. DepEd is also taking this opportunity to review our own health and safety protocols, to ensure the well-being of every learner,” the DepEd statement declared.

The boy’s parents have requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct an autopsy.

“The school is negligent because we were not told that they would have my son take the (deworming drug),” said Leo Mission, the student’s father. “My son had not eaten at the time. He was just eight years old, and yet he took a 400-milligram drug.”

Mission said the boy had no known medical condition or allergy.

The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) accompanied the Mission couple to the NBI.

“We advised them not to bury the child first. It’s good to have him autopsied during the wake,” VACC coordinator Rhoda Ramos said.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers said teachers should not be blamed for the death. – EJ Macababbad