Cavite Student's Death After Deworming Linked to Infection, Septic Shock: DepEd

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday said the death of a Grade 4 student after a routine deworming activity at a school in Cavite was caused by an infection that led to septic shock. In a statement, DepEd said the student died on July 3, a day after Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City, Cavite, conducted a routine deworming activity in coordination with the City Health Office. READ: LIST: 15 cases of school violence lead to deaths, injuries in 3 weeks Initial investigation showed that several learners fell ill after the deworming activity, including the student who died after being hospitalized for vomiting. “Based on initial medical findings, the cause of death was linked to an infection that led to septic shock,” DepEd said. Following the incident, DepEd said it is reviewing its health and safety protocols while health authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the Grade 4 student’s death. “We are committed to fully understanding what happened and are working closely with health authorities as they investigate,” DepEd said in a statement. “DepEd is also taking this opportunity to review our own health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of every learner,” it added. DepEd also said it is providing the necessary emotional, psychological, and logistical support to the student’s family and maintained that the safety and well-being of its learners remain the department’s “highest priority.” Meanwhile, DepEd-Cavite has assured the public that it will not “shirk from its responsibilities and sworn duties” should authorities conduct legal processes and inquiries into the incident. “[We] will wholly cooperate and be amenable whenever the need arises,” it said in a separate statement. /mcm