A mother and her teenage daughter have died in a devastating food poisoning incident linked to a Christmas meal in Italy, with five doctors now under investigation for manslaughter.
A Festive Meal Turns Deadly
Antonella Di Ielsi, 50, and her 15-year-old daughter Sara Di Vita are believed to have passed away within hours of each other after sharing a family dinner in Pietracatella. The meal, consumed on Christmas, is thought to have included fish, mussels, and mushrooms.
Soon after eating, both began to suffer from severe nausea and abdominal pain. Medical officials suspect the pair developed fulminant hepatitis, a rapid and acute form of liver failure, as a result of food poisoning.
Rapid Deterioration and Hospital Response
Sara was taken to Accident and Emergency twice before being sent home. Her condition worsened dramatically, and she died at Cardarelli Hospital at 11pm on Saturday, 3rd January 2026. After Sara's death, and upon learning her mother had identical symptoms, doctors urgently admitted Antonella as a precaution. Despite medical care, she also succumbed to the illness.
Vincenzo Cuzzone, a representative from Cardarelli Hospital, described the case as "truly rare," with a clinical picture that "quickly led to death." He stated that the team tried to "stay ahead of the curve" by admitting the mother but, tragically, it was not enough.
Investigation Launched and Community in Mourning
The family's patriarch, Ganni Di Vita, 55, also exhibited symptoms and remains in intensive care at Spallanzani Hospital in Rome. An 18-year-old daughter, who reportedly did not eat the same meal, is under close observation.
In response to the tragedy, police have collected food samples from the family home, including canned goods and fresh produce. The public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation and ordered post-mortem examinations.
Shock has gripped the local community. Village mayor Antonio Tommasone said, "We are devastated. This is a tragedy that leaves us speechless." Christmas festivities were cancelled, and residents held a vigil at the hospital.
In a significant development, five doctors from Cardarelli Hospital in Campobasso are being investigated for potential manslaughter. Prosecutor Nicola D'Angelo confirmed the inquiry will examine possible negligence, determine the exact cause of the poisoning, and work to "ensure that no other citizens are involved in a tragedy of this nature."
