# Neonatal infection investigations in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/neonatal-infection-investigations-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-10-13T15:41:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Legal and medical investigations are underway regarding separate incidents of infant deaths linked to hospital-acquired infections in Italy and Germany.

In Bari, Italy, a court has ordered a new 90-day investigation into the death of an 18-month-old girl who died from a streptococcus infection contracted after a premature birth in 2022. The probe focuses on potential manslaughter by a gynecologist and the head of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Miulli Hospital. Authorities are examining the management of pregnancy risks and the timeliness of medical diagnoses.

In Paderborn, Germany, prosecutors declined to initiate criminal proceedings against staff at the St. Louise children’s clinic following a sepsis outbreak involving Enterobacter bacteria. While one infant died, forensic experts determined the infants involved were infected with different bacterial strains, suggesting no transmission between them. Investigators noted that visitors may have introduced the germs, though the exact source remains unclear.

## Claims

- The Paderborn public prosecutor's office will not initiate criminal proceedings against nursing or cleaning staff. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two infants at the St. Louise neonatal intensive care unit contracted severe sepsis in August. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- One of the two infants died from the infection, while the other recovered. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The infants were infected with different strains of Enterobacter bacteria. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation into the exact cause of death is still ongoing. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Paderborn prosecutor declines criminal proceedings in infant death case

German prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against staff following the death of a premature infant due to sepsis at a Paderborn clinic, as investigations found no evidence of person-to-person infection

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paderborn-prosecutor-declines-criminal-proceedings-in-infant-death-case

### 2026-10-12: Bari Court orders new probe into death of infant after hospital infection

A Bari court has ordered new investigations into the death of an 18-month-old girl following a hospital-acquired infection, targeting a gynecologist and a neonatal intensive care official.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bari-court-orders-new-probe-into-death-of-infant-after-hospital-infection

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Cite as: Neonatal infection investigations in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/neonatal-infection-investigations-in-europe