A mother and her 15-year-old daughter have tragically passed away after reportedly consuming a tainted Christmas meal. The duo succumbed within hours of each other post a family dinner. Antonella Di Ielsi, aged 50, and Sara Di Vita, 15, are believed to have ingested fish, mussels, and mushrooms during the holiday feast.
Authorities suspect that they developed acute liver failure, known as fulminant hepatitis, due to food poisoning. Following the meal in Pietracatella, Italy, both the mother and daughter started experiencing symptoms like nausea and abdominal discomfort.
Sara was taken to the emergency room twice, discharged, but her condition deteriorated, leading to her demise at Cardarelli Hospital at 11 pm on Saturday. Soon after, Antonella was hospitalized when she exhibited similar symptoms, as per reports from the Mirror US.
Vincenzo Cuzzone from Cardarelli Hospital mentioned that the situation rapidly turned fatal despite their efforts. Sara arrived at the hospital with vague symptoms, prompting Antonella’s precautionary admission due to the illness’s swift progression. The doctor stated that they tried to anticipate the situation, but it was not sufficient.
Ganni Di Vita, 55, the family head, also displayed symptoms and was rushed to the intensive care unit in Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. Their 18-year-old daughter, who did not dine with them that evening, is under observation.
Authorities gathered food samples from the house, including canned goods and fresh produce, for investigation into the poisoning source. The public prosecutor’s office has initiated inquiries and ordered post-mortem examinations.
The village mayor, Antonio Tommasone, expressed shock and condolences, stating the community was devastated and speechless. Following the tragic event, local residents held a vigil at the hospital, and Christmas celebrations were canceled. Five doctors from Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso are under investigation for manslaughter.
Prosecutor Nicola D’Angelo revealed that the inquiry would assess possible negligence, determine the cause of poisoning, and prevent similar tragedies from occurring to others.