NEED TO KNOW
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Alexander “Zander” Philogene, aged 21, reportedly died after contracting meningococcal disease while traveling in Europe.
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He texted friends about experiencing “dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath,” which progressed to a rash.
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Philogene’s uncle, Chris Jarmer, remembered him as “really funny, very smart and witty.”
A college student passed away mere hours after showing symptoms of Meningococcal B, often mistaken for flu-like symptoms.
Philogene allegedly contracted the illness after returning to Vienna, Austria, from Porto, Portugal. This was reported by an Australian news outlet.
At the time, he was a senior at an Australian university, majoring in finance and chemical engineering, enjoying a study abroad stint in Austria.
On April 11, while boarding a plane back to Austria, Philogene mentioned to friends that he was feeling dizzy, had headaches, and was short of breath, eventually developing a rash. His friends urged him to seek medical attention, concerned for his well-being before he suffered cardiac arrest at the airport.
He was quickly airlifted to a local hospital but tragically was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. local time.
Philogene had reportedly received vaccinations against meningococcal disease, although experts suggest he may have contracted a newer, more aggressive strain that emerged in the U.K. recently.
A similar illness claimed the life of a student at the University of Kent, as confirmed by a representative from the school.
Philogene was the nephew of Chris Jarmer, a professional chef and owner of Jarmer’s Kitchen, who also cooks for the Adelaide Crows, an Australian football team, and the national swim team.
Jarmer expressed his grief, saying, “I honestly can’t imagine it… you get emotional just thinking about it. He was really funny, very smart and witty. We’re all just devastated. We’ll miss him forever.”
A family friend has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover Philogene’s funeral expenses.
The campaign describes Zander as “a truly kind and beautiful soul who meant so much to so many,” emphasizing the profound impact of his loss.
Meningococcal disease, categorized as a serious bacterial infection, spreads through infected saliva or mucus and often mimics cold or flu symptoms. The best treatment involves antibiotics, and vaccines can help prevent the disease.
Despite treatment, the disease can be deadly, with approximately 10 to 15 individuals in every 100 diagnosed facing fatal outcomes.
Potential complications of the illness can include brain damage, kidney issues, limb loss, nerve damage, or complete hearing loss.
