Following the tragic death of a fourth-grade student who became ill after a school-based deworming event in Cavite province, the Department of Health (DOH) has cautioned the public against disseminating false information about the initiative.
The health agency reaffirmed that the campaign remains a “safe, effective, and proven way” to shield youth from parasitic worms, pleading for continued public backing of the national drive. Defending their choice of medication, the DOH stated:
“The deworming medicine used in the program, albendazole, has been part of the country’s public health program for nearly three decades and is recommended by the World Health Organization. It is generally safe and well tolerated,”
According to World Health Organization guidelines, regular deworming using albendazole or mebendazole is highly advised for children living in regions prone to soil-transmitted parasitic infections. The DOH pointed out that minor, transient side effects—such as abdominal pain, nausea, fever, loose stools, and skin eruptions—can occur.
These issues, the agency noted, “are expected in some cases, usually occur within the first few hours, and can be managed with proper medical guidance,”
Local government units and healthcare personnel have been directed to strictly observe safety guidelines during community and school deworming initiatives to ensure proper drug administration and the prompt handling of any adverse reactions.
Additionally, the department implored citizens to consult only verified health authorities and avoid distributing unverified claims that might spark groundless panic and discourage families from seeking essential medical care.
The young student from Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex in Trece Martires City took part in the deworming activity on July 2. The child was hospitalized and subsequently passed away the next day. Preliminary medical assessments indicated that the cause of death was an infection that advanced to septic shock.
Currently, both the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are conducting probes into the tragedy. Authorities have requested that the public withhold speculation while the official investigation is ongoing.