Australia: Perth student dies of Meningococcal infection; 21-year-old fell ill on flight, died hours later

A 21-year-old Perth man has died after contracting a virulent strain of Meningococcal B, succumbing to the disease within hours of showing his first symptoms. Alexander Philogene, known as Zander, began feeling unwell during a flight in Europe and was dead within hours. The Perth Modern School graduate had been studying abroad in Austria, his family's homeland, and was returning from a trip to Portugal when tragedy struck.


Zander showed symptoms before boarding his flight and deteriorated rapidly, collapsing within three hours of arriving at his destination. Despite being rushed to hospital, doctors were unable to save him.


His uncle, renowned South Australian chef Chris Jarmer, described his nephew as "a very smart, very funny young boy," adding: "I just can't fathom how much of a tragedy it is," Perth Now reported.

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Jarmer urged travellers to seek medical attention at the first sign of illness. "I think it's so important when you're travelling in a foreign country to get yourself checked out with the slightest symptoms of anything," he said.


Doctors believe Zander may have contracted a new sub-type of the B strain, an aggressive, highly transmissible variant reportedly spreading rapidly through England.


While Zander had been vaccinated against meningococcal disease, it remains unclear whether his vaccination covered the B strain. Meningococcal Centre Australia CEO Karen Quick said a single additional jab may have saved his life.


"If he had had the B vaccination, there is every chance he could be here today," she said.


The MenB vaccine is not covered under Western Australia's free immunisation program, which only protects against four other strains. The B strain, however, accounts for 80 per cent of all meningococcal cases in Australia. The vaccine costs approximately $400 for adults and $600 for babies, and advocates are now calling on the WA government to fund it.


Zander's family remain in Vienna, where they face the heartbreaking task of arranging his funeral.


In a recent video, Zander left behind words that now carry a poignant new meaning: "The shot you take will never look good, if you don't take time to stop and look around."