Overview
- The Sanremo fixture died at Rome’s San Camillo Forlanini hospital after a rapidly evolving interstitial pneumonia was confirmed as the cause.
- Experts report mortality of roughly 10–15% among hospitalized cases, rising to about 50% for patients who require intubation.
- Doctors say triggers range from seasonal viruses and bacteria to autoimmune conditions, medications, and environmental exposures, with Covid-19 recognized as one cause.
- Reports note Vessicchio’s 2022 Covid infection, his own description of “imperfect lungs,” and childhood life in asbestos-affected Bagnoli as plausible risk factors without a proven causal link.
- Clinicians highlight hallmark signs such as dry cough, breathlessness and “velcro” crackles, advise oximeter thresholds near 92% for concern and below 90% for respiratory failure, and recommend prevention through vaccination and respiratory monitoring including spirometry.