Health authorities are investigating the death of an infant in Dumanjug, Cebu, after the family raised concerns about a measles-rubella (MR) vaccine the child received two weeks before the death.
The infant, from Barangay Doldol, died on Aug. 24, according to the Dumanjug Municipal Health Office (MHO).
The child received an MR vaccine on Aug. 10, the MHO said.
The case has been reported to the Department of Health Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (DOH-RESU), while the MHO is coordinating with the Provincial Health Office for the review and investigation.
Health authorities have not established any link between the vaccination and the infant’s death.
The MHO said determining whether the vaccine was related to the death would require a review of the child’s medical history, clinical circumstances and other relevant information.
The investigation comes as concerns about the case circulated in the community. The MHO acknowledged that the incident could cause anxiety among parents but urged residents not to draw conclusions or share unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
It also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve.
The DOH, in a separate statement, said the investigation was underway and that there was currently no medical evidence linking the infant’s death to the MR vaccine.
The agency urged parents to consult doctors, nurses and local health workers for vaccination-related concerns and to rely on health professionals for accurate information.
The DOH also cautioned that uncertainty surrounding a single case should not discourage parents from having their children vaccinated against measles and rubella.
Measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. Rubella infection during pregnancy can also cause severe congenital abnormalities in babies.
The DOH said vaccination remains the primary means of protecting children and communities against the two diseases.
The Dumanjug MHO said verified information from the investigation will be released through its official channels, the Dumanjug Public Information Office and the page of Mayor Gungun Gica.
Until the investigation is completed, health authorities have not established a connection between the infant’s MR vaccination and death.
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