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[HEALTH] · Italy · 65 sources

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Palermo diphtheria death sparks vaccination task force and legal probes

The death of a four-year-old girl, Anna Rosa, from diphtheria in Palermo has triggered a major public health response and legal investigation in Sicily. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità confirmed that samples from the Arnas Civico hospital tested positive for Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the respiratory toxin gene.

In response, the Sicilian Region has established a task force to monitor potential clusters and improve pediatric vaccination coverage, specifically targeting children aged 0-24 months and the 5-6 year booster. Local health authorities in Enna have begun checks to identify children with incomplete vaccinations, while Catania has expanded walk-in access for early childhood vaccinations.

The incident has also led to legal proceedings. The child's parents are under investigation for manslaughter by omission due to the child's unvaccinated status. Simultaneously, the parents have filed a lawsuit against three Palermo hospitals—Cervello, Civico, and the Ospedale dei Bambini—alleging misdiagnosis and inadequate medical care. The autopsy has been postponed as authorities work to clarify medical responsibilities.

Entities

ASP Palermo · ASP di Palermo · Anna Rosa Bartolotta · Asp di Messina · Istituto Superiore di Sanità · Marcello Caruso · Messina · Palermo · Regione Siciliana · Renato Schifani · Sicilian Region

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Sources

Difterite, cos'è e come si prende [www.secondamanoitalia.it]