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Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Teen boy from rare bacterial infection days after falling ill
William Hand, 14, was an energetic, well-loved student. A young teenager, aged 14, tragically passed away following a sudden bout with a rare bacterial infection, prompting urgent advisories from health chiefs on the illness's alarming speed and severity. William Hand of South Carolina, who was a popular and energetic pupil having recently completed his final year at Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, suffered a rapid decline in health. Just days after falling ill, the vibrant boy's condition worsened rapidly. On the morning of 8 June, William awoke feeling unwell and within hours had tragically died. His father, Will Hand, penned a touching tribute: "Everything snowballed and God called him home. This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Medics later ascertained that William had succumbed to meningococcemia, a swift-moving and severe bloodstream infection initiated by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. The disease takes hold with alarming rapidity, and health professionals highlight its pernicious nature. "The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," shared Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch in an interview with Fox Carolina, reports the Mirror. This infrequent but serious contagion disseminates through respiratory droplets or saliva and can be transmitted by sharing personal items like drinks or eating utensils. Sudden fever, pounding headache, vomiting, light sensitivity, and a particular rash that doesn't disappear under pressure are the early warning signs. Burch described, "We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin," adding, "It's not a typical rash that you would get with, let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there." Over the last 18 months, the Department of Public Health has logged 12 cases of meningococcal disease within the state, sadly four have been fatal. Even so, health officials maintain that these isolated cases do not mark an outbreak. "DPH investigates all reported cases of Neisseria meningitidis, looking for possible links. In regards to the 12 cases spread across the state within 18 months, no links were found and this does not fit the definition of an outbreak," explained a DHEC spokesperson. The Centers for Disease Control underline vaccination as the paramount form of defence. William is fondly recalled as someone who infused every moment with laughter and brightness. His obituary read that he was "the highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend." further stating: "His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his joyful spirit, quick smile, and magnetic energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, even briefly." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Those close to him said: "Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was walking to CVS or Moe's with his friends, or re-enacting WWE wrestling, he brought joy everywhere he went. "His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin." His baseball team, Greenville Little League, honoured him as "more than just a great competitor-he was a loyal friend, devoted son and brother, and a true teammate in every sense. His spirit, smile, and love for the game touched so many of us, and he will be deeply missed."
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Boy, 14, dies days after catching rare infection as major warning issued
William Hand, 14, woke up unwell, and within hours, died from a rare bacterial infection that has sparked health officials to sound the alarm over its swift and severe symptoms A vibrant 14-year-old boy has died just days after falling ill with a rare bacterial infection - triggering a renewed warning from medical professionals about the illness's speed and severity. William Hand, from South Carolina, was an energetic, well-loved student who had just graduated from eighth grade at Hughes Academy of Science and Technology. But days later, the teenager's health deteriorated suddenly. On the morning of June 8, William woke up unwell, and within hours, he was gone. His father, Will Hand, wrote in a heartfelt post: "Everything snowballed and God called him home. This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Doctors later confirmed that William had contracted meningococcemia - a rare but aggressive bloodstream infection caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Once the infection sets in, it can overwhelm the body in a matter of hours. "The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria," Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch told Fox Carolina. The disease, though uncommon, spreads through respiratory droplets or saliva, often passed by sharing items like drinks or utensils. Early warning signs include a sudden fever, pounding headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and a rash that doesn't fade when pressed. "We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin," said Burch. "It's not a typical rash that you would get with, let's say, a viral infection. If you put your finger on it and press down really hard, the rash will stay there." The Department of Public Health has recorded 12 cases of meningococcal disease in the state over the past year and a half, with four proving fatal. Still, health officials say the scattered cases do not suggest an outbreak. "DPH investigates all reported cases of Neisseria meningitidis, looking for possible links. In regards to the 12 cases spread across the state within 18 months, no links were found and this does not fit the definition of an outbreak," a DHEC spokesperson stated. Vaccination remains the best form of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control. William is being remembered as someone who brought laughter and light to every moment. His obituary described him as "the highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend." It continued: "His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but his joyful spirit, quick smile, and magnetic energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, even briefly. "Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was walking to CVS or Moe's with his friends, or re-enacting WWE wrestling, he brought joy everywhere he went." "His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party-always ready with a story, usually a little embellished for effect, and always delivered with a grin." His baseball team, Greenville Little League, honoured him as "more than just a great competitor—he was a loyal friend, devoted son and brother, and a true teammate in every sense. His spirit, smile, and love for the game touched so many of us, and he will be deeply missed."
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Bacterial infection kills a teen boy within days: Symptoms, causes of the fast-moving illness
A 14-year-old boy from South Carolina has tragically passed away just days after catching a rare and fast-moving bacterial infection, and now doctors are warning others to be aware of the symptoms. William Hand, a recent 8th-grade graduate from Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, started feeling really unwell early on June 8. He woke up before 5 a.m., and according to his father, Will Hand, things went downhill fast. In a heartbreaking Facebook post, he wrote, "Everything snowballed and God called him home." He shared a photo of his son, remembering him with "flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire," saying, "I will see you again, son. " What happened to William? Will had developed a rare blood infection called meningococcemia—also known as meningococcal septicemia. It's caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, which enters the bloodstream and spreads quickly. Once it kicks in, it can be extremely hard to treat. Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch told Fox Carolina, how brutal the illness can be: 'The infection happens so quickly, and once it starts going, sometimes it's very hard to save the person who is infected.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The disease spreads through saliva or respiratory droplets—meaning things like kissing, sharing drinks, or using the same utensils can pass it on. How does someone catch it? Meningococcal septicemia is basically a rare—and very serious—blood infection caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. You might've heard more about meningitis, which is when the same bacteria attack the lining of the brain and spinal cord. But in septicemia, instead of staying in the brain, the bacteria invade your bloodstream and start causing chaos throughout your entire body. This bacteria normally lives quietly in the back of the nose and throat of some people (called carriers) without making them sick. But every now and then, it can go rogue—especially if it finds its way into the bloodstream. Once it's in your blood, it multiplies like crazy and starts releasing toxins that damage blood vessels, mess with your circulation, and can quickly lead to organ failure. How does someone catch it? It spreads through close contact—think coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing things like drinks, straws, water bottles, lip balm, or utensils. You usually have to be in close or prolonged contact with someone who is carrying the bacteria. That's why outbreaks can happen in places like college dorms, military barracks, or households where people are living close together. So, what actually happens? Once these bacteria enter the blood, they multiply rapidly and release toxins that can damage blood vessels. This can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and tissue damage—sometimes in just a matter of hours. That's what makes it so terrifying: the speed. One minute a person might just feel a little unwell, and within a day—or sometimes even less—they're in critical condition. Early symptoms can look like a regular flu or a bad cold. We're talking fever, chills, body aches, nausea, cold hands and feet, or a fast heart rate. In kids and teens, symptoms can include extreme tiredness, irritability, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed (a big red flag). That rash comes from bleeding under the skin, caused by blood vessel damage. It might start out as small red or purple spots and then spread quickly. The tricky part is how fast it moves. With many illnesses, you've got some time to figure out what's going on. Not with this one. That's why doctors and parents are always urged to trust their instincts—if someone looks seriously sick and symptoms are worsening quickly, it's better to get them to a hospital ASAP rather than wait it out. The good news? It's treatable—but only if caught early. Meningococcal septicemia is usually treated with strong antibiotics through an IV. Fluids, oxygen, and sometimes even medications to support blood pressure may also be needed. In severe cases, people may end up in the ICU or require surgery to remove damaged tissue. Even then, survivors might face long-term effects like hearing loss, amputations, or organ damage. That's how serious this infection can be. Meningococcal septicemia is rare, but when it strikes, it's aggressive. Knowing the signs, acting quickly, and staying vaccinated can make all the difference. It's one of those 'better safe than sorry' situations where awareness really can save lives. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
