Palermo child's diphtheria death prompts manslaughter probe into unvaccinated parents

Palermo authorities are investigating the parents of a 4-year-old girl who died of diphtheria, suspecting manslaughter by omission. The couple had chosen not to vaccinate their daughter, Anna Rosa Bartolotta, citing a belief that a prior vaccination caused autism in a cousin. Prosecutors are examining whether this omission, specifically the failure to administer the diphtheria vaccine which is mandatory, led to the child's death.

The investigation, led by Palermo's deputy prosecutor Laura Vaccaro and prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia, is a precautionary step. It allows the parents to appoint their own consultants for the autopsy, an unrepeatable examination of the child's body. Investigators are also assessing the extent of the "no-vax" sentiment within the family and among neighbors, and how many other minors may be unvaccinated, to gauge potential public health risks.

Notably, the couple had not vaccinated their three other children, who have since received the vaccine after their sister's death. The juvenile prosecutor's office has opened a civil case to evaluate parental responsibility. They have interviewed medical professionals, including the pediatrician who saw the child before her initial hospitalization. The pediatrician reportedly told investigators about a prevalent belief in the Zen district that vaccinations cause autism, leading to categorical refusals of mandatory vaccinations.

In response, the juvenile prosecutor's office has initiated an urgent check of preschools and elementary schools in northern Palermo to identify unvaccinated children. The article notes that some "no-vax" parents allegedly use a loophole, presenting vaccination appointment confirmations to bypass mandatory prophylaxis requirements for school enrollment. The health system requires the hexavalent vaccine for all children entering class from the first day of the first cycle.

Adding to the concern, the child's cousin, who was hospitalized with diphtheria, has tested positive for the disease. Health officials report the cousin is improving clinically and is receiving treatment, including diphtheria antitoxin immunoglobulins. This child, also 4 years old, exhibited similar symptoms to Anna Rosa but had reportedly completed the first three vaccination cycles.