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Egypt Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Egypt Independent
What killed a family of 7 in Minya? The dark truth revealed
Hundreds of villagers from Dalija village in the Dermawas city, Minya governorate mourned Nasser Mohamed Ali, the father of six children who died in the village over the past two weeks. The father passed away just three days after the death of his last child, 'Farha.' The grieving family's grave was opened for the seventh time in 14 days. Ali was transferred to Assiut University Hospital last week after his health deteriorated in Minya Hospital, where he was receiving treatment following the successive deaths of his six children in a mysterious incident – the details of which are only beginning to emerge. The grim tragedy began about two weeks ago with the successive deaths of four siblings, amid initial suspicions that they had contracted meningitis; this was denied by the Ministry of Health in an official statement. Although the fifth and sixth children, Rahma and Farha, were transferred to the hospital for close observation, they followed their siblings one by one, before their father joined them on Friday. Chlorfenapyr – a toxic substance with no antidote A professor of toxicology at the Faculty of Medicine at Minya University, who directly supervised the fifth and sixth victims (Rahma and Farha), Mohamed Ismail Abdel-Hafeez, explained that the symptoms exhibited by the children, as well as their father, are consistent with poisoning by the pesticide Chlorfenapyr. This conclusion was reached after extensive consultations with toxicology experts at Alexandria and Ain Shams universities, and comparing the case to previous rare cases, he explained. Abdel-Hafeez pointed out that one of the biggest challenges in the Minya children's case was the inability to detect the toxic substance in conventional laboratory blood tests, which is consistent with the properties of Chlorfenapyr. He noted that in more than 35 years of medical practice, he had never witnessed such a strange and complex case. The vital functions of the victims initially appeared stable before suddenly and fatally deteriorating, starting with an irregular heartbeat and ending with complete cardiac arrest. The professor of toxicology at Faculty of Medicine at Minya University continued that there is no treatment or antidote for this substance. He pointed out that these substances are naturally toxic and must be handled with care. Abdel-Hafeez said that 'Half a gram is enough to kill an adult. Symptoms may appear after hours or days, depending on each individual's body, and how it reacts.' Chlorfenapyr is used in agriculture to control pests. It disrupts the energy production process within the body's cells, leading to systemic failure and tissue death, making it a silent killer that is difficult to detect and treat. Second wife under suspicion The Public Prosecution is continuing its investigations with the children's mother (the father's second wife) and the grandfather, in an attempt to unravel the mystery of the successive deaths within the family. The deaths began about two weeks ago with the death of three of the children, followed by their fourth brother, then the two girls, Rahma and Farha, and finally the father. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
Malaysian Reserve
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Malaysian Reserve
Intense heat waves pose rising health hazard: Expert
KUALA LUMPUR — Climate change is fuelling heat waves that are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a growing challenge to human health, according to a medical expert who has called for updated metrics and criteria to address the issue, Xinhua reported. When a heat wave hits, it is important to go beyond the traditional consideration of the temperature shown on a thermometer but to pay attention to the 'wet-bulb global temperature', which comprehensively accounts for factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and radiant heat. This metric more accurately reflects the actual threat of high temperatures to human health, said Victor Hoe Chee Wai of the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua. Hoe said that a wet-bulb thermometer is created by covering a regular thermometer with a wet cloth and placing it in moving air. As the water evaporates, it cools the thermometer, resulting in a reading that is lower than the regular air temperature. Unlike standard air temperature, which is also known as 'dry-bulb temperature', the wet-bulb global temperature better reflects how environmental heat stress affects health, particularly in outdoor or occupational settings. Hoe emphasised that this is particularly important for Malaysia, a tropical country located near the equator, where high temperatures and humidity are present year-round, with average annual temperatures ranging from 21 to 32 degrees Celsius. Hoe noted that as global temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, dangerous high-temperature events are becoming more frequent, and even areas with cooler climates in the past are no longer immune. — BERNAMA-XINHUA
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak ready to reclaim health, education powers, Dr Sim tells Putrajaya
Dr Teh (left) briefs Dr Sim on the key health issues during the conference today. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 10): Sarawak is actively pursuing autonomy over health and education matters from Putrajaya, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He pointed out that Sarawak has the constitutional right to negotiate for the return of these rights under the federal constitution. 'Under the Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, Sarawak has the right to seek for health autonomy and education autonomy. 'And Sarawak is ready. And that's why we are working on it,' he said. 'So, I always tell KL (Putrajaya), they better sit down and quickly give Sarawak its health and education autonomy, because it is clearly stated in the Malaysian Constitution,' he stressed. Dr Sim was speaking when officiating at the opening of the 2nd Asia-Pacific Conference on Zoonotic and Neglected Tropical Diseases (APCZNTD) 2025 at a leading hotel here today. He also expressed concern over the state of healthcare infrastructure in Sarawak, stating that 70 per cent of health clinics and hospitals in the state are in dilapidated conditions ― a situation far more severe than in Peninsular Malaysia. 'In the peninsula, the number of such facilities in poor condition does not even come close to 70 per cent,' he said. Dr Sim also spoke on the importance of nation-building and instilling shared values, especially in the healthcare workforce. 'Over the past five years, there has been a continuous drop in the number of registered doctors and nurses. The Ministry of Health reported 8,000 nursing vacancies last year and 9,000 this year. 'Why? Because many have migrated,' he said. 'We also need to play our part. It's important to instil values in our people. Why do we provide education? Why do we offer financial support? 'Because we want you to contribute to nation-building. We want you to stay and help us,' he added. He said that the Sarawak government is committed to gradually improving salaries for healthcare workers, but called on them to support state efforts for mutual progress. 'If you support us, we will get there. It means you have a role to play, and so do I,' he said. Meanwhile, Professor Dr Mohd Raili, chair of the APCZNTD organising committee and Associate Dean, Sibu Clinical Campus, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, SEGi University, said this year's event built on the success of the inaugural conference held in 2023. 'It showed us the value of bringing together experts from different fields to tackle shared challenges,' he concluded. Dr Raili also noted a growing number of participants, which he views as a sign of increasing interest and trust in the platform. Also present were Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun; SEGi University's Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Dean, Major General (R) Professor Dato' Dr Mohd Zin Bidin; and Sibu Business Events Committee (SBEC) chairman Dr Renco Yong. autonomy Dr Sim Kui Hian education health Sibu
Bangkok Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Protecting Thailand's Youngest and Oldest from RSV, Flu
Bangkok, July 7, 2025 — As Thailand transitions from the rainy to early winter seasons, respiratory infections surge dramatically, making awareness and proper prevention crucial. Recognising this urgent public health concern, Sanofi Thailand supported a vital Health Talk session at Thailand Healthcare 2025 under the topic: "Infants Catch It Easily, the Elderly are at High Risk: Understanding RSV and Influenza." The session featured distinguished medical experts Prof. Dr. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sophida Boonsathorn Reeves, infectious disease specialists from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. They shared comprehensive knowledge and strategic prevention approaches to protect families, with particular focus on the most vulnerable groups: newborns, infants, and seniors aged 65 and above. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) represents a significant threat as a primary cause of respiratory infections in newborns and infants (0–2 years). The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. Its reach is extensive—nearly all children will contract RSV at least once by age five, with an overwhelming 90% infected by age two and 50% within their first year of life. RSV outbreaks are mostly seasonal. In Thailand, the outbreak typically begins with the rainy season around June to July, peaks between August and October, and gradually declines in November and December. A common misconception among new mothers is that babies who stay indoors are automatically safe. However, this false sense of security overlooks the reality that family members can unknowingly bring the virus home, putting even homebound infants at substantial risk. RSV manifests through symptoms including persistent coughing, characteristic wheezing, thick mucus production, and high fever. Particularly concerning is that one in three infected children may progress to severe lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchiolitis. The absence of specific treatment for RSV—with care limited to supportive measures—underscores the critical importance of prevention, especially for infants under 12 months. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sophida Boonsathorn Reeves emphasised this urgency: "Infants under one year—whether full-term, premature, or with underlying conditions—are all at risk of severe RSV, potentially requiring ICU care or even resulting in death." Recent medical advances have introduced RSV monoclonal antibodies that can be administered directly to provide immediate protection. Compelling clinical evidence demonstrates their effectiveness in reducing hospitalisations from lower respiratory tract infections by 79.5%, decreasing overall RSV-related hospitalisations by 83.2%, and reducing ICU admissions by 75.3%. The Royal College of Paediatricians of Thailand (RCPedT) has issued comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for the use of Nirsevimab. It is recommended that all healthy newborns and infants under eight months of age receive Nirsevimab, with consideration also given to healthy infants aged 8 to 12 months. Ideally, the antibody should be administered prior to the onset of the RSV season, which typically spans from June to October each year. For infants born during this period, Nirsevimab should be given as soon as possible after birth. The protection begins immediately upon administration and provides immunity for at least six months throughout the RSV season. Prof. Dr. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, an infectious disease specialist, reported alarming statistics: within just the first half of 2025, Thailand documented over 370,000 influenza cases resulting in 51 deaths, predominantly among seniors aged 65 and over due to naturally weakened immunity and existing health conditions. Annual influenza vaccination is essential, particularly during the rainy to early winter season when transmission rates peak. Seniors are strongly advised to consult their healthcare providers about timely vaccination. Prof. Dr. Sasisopin explained this vulnerability: "Older adults face heightened risks due to weakened immunity and chronic illnesses like heart, kidney, or lung disease. Influenza can significantly worsen these underlying conditions, potentially leading to serious complications or death." Two distinct vaccine formulations are available: the standard dose for individuals aged six months and older, and the high-dose formulation specifically designed for adults aged 65 and above. The high-dose vaccine contains four times more antigen to generate a stronger immune response in older recipients. Extensive research demonstrates that high-dose vaccines substantially reduce influenza infection risk by 24%, decrease hospitalisation rates by 64%, and lower mortality by 49% compared to standard-dose alternatives. High-dose influenza vaccines have maintained an excellent safety and efficacy record in the United States and Europe for over a decade, with more than 200 million doses administered globally. Both the World Health Organization and Thailand's Department of Disease Control confirm that three-strain and four-strain influenza vaccines offer comparable protection levels, noting that the B/Yamagata strain has not circulated significantly since 2020. Consequently, three-strain vaccines currently provide adequate immunological coverage. Conclusion As seasonal patterns elevate RSV and influenza prevalence, comprehensive awareness and implementation of appropriate preventive strategies are vital to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sanofi Thailand maintains its steadfast commitment to enhancing immunity among Thai people, reducing the burden of preventable illnesses, and fostering improved long-term health outcomes nationwide.
Observer
28-06-2025
- Health
- Observer
OMANI DOCTORS GRADUATE IN CYPRUS
NICOSIA: The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Cyprus celebrated the graduation of several Omani students who earned Bachelor's degrees in Human Medicine and Biomedical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Nicosia for the academic year 2024–2025. Mohammed bin Abdullah al Nahdi, Ambassador of Oman to Cyprus, congratulated the graduates and extended his best wishes for their future careers. He emphasised the importance of utilising their acquired knowledge and skills in service of the nation. — ONA
