‘17 deaths among Dengvaxia kids in Central Luzon’

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — At least 17 of 8,435 children who fell ill after being inoculated with Dengvaxia in Central Luzon have died, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH said there is no scientific basis to link the deaths and illnesses to Dengvaxia.

In a report titled “Adverse events among Dengvaxia vaccinees surveillance update,” the DOH regional office said Nueva Ecija and Pampanga each have four fatalities;  Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan and Zambales, two each, and Tarlac, one. 

The report did not say if the deaths were due to dengue.

At least 4,644 of those who received Dengvaxia shots experienced fever; 3,932 suffered headaches; 1,998, cough and cold; 1,753, dizziness, and 1,432, abdominal pain.

The report said 388 were confirmed dengue cases, 3,926 had “other diagnosis” and  4,121 others were “not specified.”

Of the 388 dengue cases, 231 manifested dengue fever, 151 were dengue with warning signs and six were “severe.”

Bulacan has the highest number of Dengvaxia-inoculated children who fell ill at 1,682, followed by Pampanga with 1,653, and Zambales, 1,620.

The DOH report said 940 of those who sought medical intervention were hospitalized.

Around 200,000 school children in Central Luzon were given Dengvaxia shots last year.