Melbourne teenager dies of meningococcal after VCE exams

A MELBOURNE teenager has died of meningococcal disease, less than a fortnight after completing his Year 12 exams.

Marcellin College students pay their respects to Year 12 student Matthew Wilkins. Picture: Twitter

A MELBOURNE teenager has died of meningococcal disease, less than a fortnight after completing his Year 12 exams.

Marcellin College student Matthew Wilkins died on Saturday afternoon, just hours after being admitted to hospital suffering from a severe headache, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Health authorities have confirmed Matthew died of meningococcal meningitis, an acute bacterial infection, but it is believed to be an isolated case.

Matthew Wilkins. Picture: Supplied

In an online letter to families and staff, Marcellin College principal Mark Murphy said Matthew was being remembered as a young man of “great humility who never sought the limelight for his achievements”.

“He had a smile for all those he encountered. Matthew was a very diligent student who achieved many academic awards and who always gave of his best to all aspects of his studies.”

Matthew was admitted to the Austin Hospital about 9am on Saturday and passed away later that afternoon.

Department of Health spokesman Bram Alexander said cause of death had been confirmed as meningococcal.

“As far as we know it’s an isolated case,” he said.

There have been 67 cases of meningococcal infection this year, compared to 54 at the same time last year. Two people have died.

MENINGOCOCCAL — THE FACTS

Meningococcal bacteria live in the back of the nose and throat of about 10 per cent of the population without causing illness.

Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck or sore muscles followed, in some cases, by a rash of red purple spots.

Germs can only survive outside the human body for more than a few seconds and can only be passed from person to person by close and prolonged household or intimate contact.

Meningococcal disease is caused when a particular strain gets through lining of the throat and enters the bloodstream.

Incubation period after exposure is between 2-10 days.

If treated in early stages (when it can be difficult to diagnose) most people make a complete recovery.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services

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