A Grade 4 pupil from a public elementary school in Trece Martires City, Cavite died of septic shock a day after participating in a school-based deworming activity, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Monday. 

The eight-year-old learner from Hugo Perez Elementary School-Annex died on 3 July, a day after a deworming activity was conducted on the school campus as part of the government's National School-Based Deworming Program.

Initial findings showed that several pupils became ill following the school-based deworming activity, including the Grade 4 learner who later 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.

According to unverified reports circulating online, the victim received a deworming tablet on 2 July during a school health activity. He allegedly complained of a headache and began vomiting afterward.

He was later said to have developed a fever and severe abdominal pain before being taken to a hospital, where he died on 3 July.

Following the incident, the DepEd Schools Division of Cavite Province expressed its condolences over the learner's death and said it was coordinating with the proper authorities.

DepEd Cavite also assured the public that it would fully cooperate with any investigation or legal proceedings arising from the case.

"As a learner-centered public institution with the welfare of the children and the youth at its heart, we are committed not only to ensure the building of a truly educated population, but to safeguard the health, life and limb of every learner," it said.

As of Monday, authorities had not released the results of any medical or forensic examination establishing whether the child's death was related to the deworming activity or another underlying condition. The investigation remains ongoing.