Egypt Daily News – A preliminary medical report has revealed that the tragic deaths of five siblings in the village of Delga, Deir Mawas district, Minya Governorate, were likely the result of acute chemical poisoning, most probably from exposure to a toxic pesticide. The findings come as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Public Prosecution, which has yet to issue a formal conclusion.
A senior official at the Ministry of Health and Population confirmed that laboratory analyses, conducted upon the request of the Public Prosecution, indicated the presence of a potent chemical substance consistent with pesticide toxicity. However, the final determination of the cause of death remains under judicial review, as investigations continue into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The source also dismissed widespread speculation on social media suggesting that the children may have succumbed to a mysterious or contagious illness. “There is no evidence whatsoever to support such claims,” the official stated. “These rumors are scientifically unfounded and only serve to spread panic among the public.”
The official clarified that the progression of deaths among the children matched what would be expected in a case of chemical poisoning, depending on age and physical resilience. The younger children, who had weaker constitutions, passed away first. An older sibling died after a few days, while the eldest daughter has survived and remains under medical care.
Their father, who also showed symptoms of poisoning but later stabilized, experienced a delayed onset of symptoms due to his greater physical endurance.
The Ministry of Health emphasized that all infectious causes of illness had been ruled out. Samples of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine taken from the affected individuals were tested at the central public health laboratories and found to be free from any viral or bacterial infections, including meningitis. Environmental samples, including water from the family’s home, were also tested and found to be compliant with safety standards.
In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed that there has been no spike in communicable diseases in the village of Delga or the broader Minya Governorate. There have been no reported cases of infection among the surviving family members, neighbors, or extended relatives.
The Ministry further reiterated its commitment to full transparency and close cooperation with the prosecutorial authorities to uncover the non-infectious causes behind this tragic incident. “The public health situation in the area is stable, and there is no indication of any epidemic or outbreak,” the statement concluded.
As the investigation proceeds, attention remains focused on how the family may have been exposed to the suspected chemical agent. The case continues to spark national concern and demands for tighter regulation of hazardous substances, especially in rural households.
