The Public Prosecution ordered the detention of the accused for 4 days pending investigation after forensic and chemical lab reports confirmed that the cause of death of several children and their father in Dermoas, Minya Governorate, was poisoning by a highly toxic pesticide called Chlorfenapyr. This pesticide causes disruption of the body’s thermal regulation and failure of vital organs leading to their shutdown. Its traces were found in samples taken from the victims’ bodies.

Dr. Heba Youssef, Head of Clinical Toxicology at Port Said University, explained that Chlorfenapyr is an organophosphate pesticide containing 48% of the active toxic ingredient Chlorfenapyr. It is used to spray termites, control red palm weevil, protect building foundations, and treat wood infested with pests, licensed by the Ministry of Health.

The pesticide is highly toxic even at low concentrations and acts by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in insects’ nervous systems, causing paralysis and rapid death. Human poisoning occurs through ingestion of contaminated food or water, inhalation during spraying without protective gear, or skin absorption, especially in children due to their sensitive skin.

Symptoms of poisoning include eye tearing, blurred vision, excessive salivation, sweating, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary incontinence with foul odor, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, respiratory distress, muscle twitching, and weakness. Severe cases can be fatal, especially in children and infants.

The accused admitted to mixing the pesticide into some bread loaves sent to the first wife’s home where the father and children lived, causing their illness and subsequent deaths. She denied intent to kill but confessed to the act as a malicious act against the first wife. The Public Prosecution ordered her detention and investigations continue.

Precautionary advice includes avoiding children’s exposure to pesticide spraying for 24-48 hours, covering toys and food surfaces, using child-safe alternatives like natural oils, ensuring protective equipment for applicators, and thorough cleaning of surfaces and clothes after spraying. Immediate first aid involves removing contaminated clothes, washing skin and eyes, and not inducing vomiting if ingestion occurs.