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Palermo: Unvaccinated four-year-old dies of suspected diphtheria
A four-year-old girl has died in Palermo, Italy, from suspected diphtheria, a disease that has been rare in the country for decades. The child, who had not received mandatory vaccinations, was treated at the Ospedale dei Bambini Di Cristina after her condition rapidly deteriorated. Medical staff attempted life-saving measures, including the use of ECMO support, but were unsuccessful.
The girl's parents reportedly declined vaccinations due to concerns regarding a potential link between vaccines and autism in a relative. Following the death, the Prosecutor's Office in Palermo opened an investigation and ordered an autopsy to confirm the cause of death and examine hospital procedures. A relative, a four-year-old cousin who had been vaccinated, was also hospitalized with similar symptoms but is reported to be in non-critical condition.
Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The bacteria release a toxin that can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and nervous system. While the disease is largely controlled through immunization, health experts emphasize that it primarily affects unvaccinated populations.
Entities
Domenico Cipolla · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Marcello Caruso · Ospedale Civico · Ospedale Civico di Palermo · Ospedale dei Bambini Di Cristina · Palermo · Procura di Palermo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] The four-year-old child had not received mandatory vaccinations. www.forchecaudine.com · erreemmenews.it · www.quotidiano.net · www.lastampa.it · www.cosenzachannel.it · +8 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Medical tests were positive for the bacterium, suggesting diphtheria as the cause of death. www.forchecaudine.com · erreemmenews.it · www.quotidiano.net
- [● 10 SOURCES] The Prosecutor's Office in Palermo has opened an investigation and ordered an autopsy. qds.it · www.lastampa.it · www.cosenzachannel.it · pt.euronews.com · www.torresette.news · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Medical staff in contact with the child have been placed on antibiotic prophylaxis. qds.it · www.agrigentooggi.it
- [● 6 SOURCES] The child was initially discharged with a diagnosis of tonsillitis before returning with worsening symptoms. www.quotidiano.net · www.forchecaudine.com · www.lastampa.it · www.cosenzachannel.it · www.bigodino.it
- [● 6 SOURCES] Health authorities are conducting analyses to confirm the diphtheria diagnosis. www.forchecaudine.com · erreemmenews.it · www.quotidiano.net · www.lastampa.it · qds.it · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Medical staff made every effort to save the child, including using ECMO support. www.forchecaudine.com · www.terranostranews.it · www.quotidiano.net · www.lastampa.it
- [● 8 SOURCES] The parents declined vaccinations due to concerns regarding a potential link to autism in a relative. www.forchecaudine.com · www.lastampa.it · www.cosenzachannel.it · www.lapresse.it · pt.euronews.com · +3 more