The family of a 20-year-old German student are eagerly awaiting the results of a second autopsy to shed light on the cause of her sudden death.

Julia Skotnitzki, who was studying to become a travel agent, died in mysterious circumstances on October 18 after just six days in Malta. She was on an orientation visit organised by German tour operator Frosch Touristik International.

A magisterial inquiry is underway and the woman's medical records are being analysed by court experts.

When contacted yesterday, the family's lawyer said they were still waiting for the official results of the first autopsy, conducted in Malta. The results of the second autopsy, held in Germany, are expected to be available in the coming days.

Ms Skotnitzki's mother, 46-year-old Rosemarie, told The Sunday Times the family was going through a very difficult time, but she declined to comment further.

German newspapers, which have been following the case, claim that the victim could have contracted malaria or Hantavirus, a deadly disease associated with rodents. However, the first autopsy ruled out such a possibility, although these results are not official. Ms Skotnitzki's body was transported to Germany last week.

The German newspapers quoted Ms Skotnitzki's mother claiming that her daughter was mistreated while undergoing medical care in Malta.

The newspapers reported that before leaving Germany, Ms Skotnitzki already had symptoms of flu. Three days after arriving in Malta, she fell ill and skipped one of the tour operator activities. Ms Skotnitzki was admitted to Capua Hospital in Sliema but was then transferred to Mater Dei when her condition worsened.

The 20-year-old called her mother to inform her about her condition and tell her that the private hospital asked for a €700 deposit for her treatment.

Mrs Skotnitzki flew to Malta on the next available flight but in the meantime her daughter's condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the Intensive Therapy Unit at Mater Dei.

In comments to German newspapers, Mrs Skotnitzki blamed the Maltese hospitals for her daughter's death and also complained about the level of hygiene at Mater Dei. She also alleged that doctors completely ignored her daughter.

However, sources close to the hospital said doctors had been "pretty concerned" about the young patient. The sources said Ms Skotnitzki was on strong antibiotics to combat the infection she contracted but doctors were surprised when they saw her health deteriorate so quickly.

Meanwhile, the German authorities have also launched an inquiry to establish the precise cause of death and investigate the mother's claims. Sources said the German Embassy in Malta is also involved in the case and is following developments closely.

The embassy's doctor was present during the autopsy on Ms Skotnitzki in Malta.

mxuereb@timesofmalta.com

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