DOH: Boy’s death not due to deworming tablet

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday belied reports that an eight-year-old boy from Puerto Princesa City in Palawan died after taking  a deworming tablet last week.

Authorities said the boy showed symptoms of a ruptured appendicitis.

DOH-Region 4-B director Eduardo Janairo said the boy did not undergo the agency’s mass deworming program at the Sta. Monica Elementary School on July 29.

Janairo said the boy underwent deworming on July 3 or during the regular deworming program of the DOH in schools.

The boy had complained of “on and off” abdominal pain, constipation and vomiting, indicating he was suffering from appendicitis.