DepEd confirms Grade 4 pupil passed away following routine deworming activity
The Department of Education's Cavite office has confirmed that a Grade 4 pupil died following a deworming activity in Trece Martires City.
According to an official statement from DepEd, Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Cavite conducted a routine deworming activity in coordination with the City Health Office on July 2.
Several learners felt unwell afterward, including the Grade 4 learner who passed away.
The Philippine STAR reported that the child developed a fever and severe stomach pain and was taken to the hospital. He died on July 3.
Initial medical findings revealed that the pupil died due to septic shock from an infection.
DepEd said that an investigation is underway following the incident.
"We are committed to understanding fully what happened, and are working closely with health authorities as they investigate," the agency said.
"DepEd is also taking this opportunity to review our own health and safety protocols, to ensure the well-being of every learner."
It also asked the public to keep the bereaved family in their thoughts and to rely only on verified information from health experts.
Meanwhile, DepEd-Cavite said that its officials, employees, and personnel will participate if there are any legal processes and inquiries.
"To all those who are equally saddened, as well as those alarmed, anxious, even those who are infuriated by the unfortunate event, of which no one certainly wished to happen, rest assured, the DepEd Cavite Province and the school administration concerned are not standing idly and are continuously making efforts in reaching out to extend our immeasurable depth of sympathy and prayers to the bereaved family and loved ones of our departed pupil," it said in a statement.
"We are likewise in constant coordination with the proper authorities concerned regarding the unfortunate incident."
DepEd conducts an annual school-based mass deworming program to reduce the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections among learners. It covers all enrolled pupils who meet the eligibility criteria and whose parents or guardians have signed consent forms.
According to a memorandum, learners are screened first to ensure that they are fit to receive the medication. Those with fever, experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, and taking medications are temporarily deferred from deworming.