Latest news with #WillHand
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Boy, 14, with ‘infectious smile' dies just days after catching fast-moving illness – as doctors issue stark warning
A TEEN boy suddenly died after waking up with symptoms of fast-moving illness. William Hand, who was only 14 years old, was 'known for his infectious smile' and 'playful banter', an obituary said. 5 His dad, also called Will Hand, wrote on Facebook: 'Today he woke us up before 5am clearly not well. Everything snowballed and God called him home.' William, of Greenville, South Carolina, died on June 8 from what was described as an "overwhelming bacteria infection', meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is rare but life-threatening. The bacteria that causes it, Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), destroys blood vessels when it gets into the blood stream. 'This keeps blood from getting to your organs and tissues, which causes symptoms like cold hands and feet, severe muscle pain and pale or discolored skin,' according to the Mayo Clinic. Serious illness caused by meningococcal bacteria is called invasive meningococcal disease. It can lead to meningitis, which is the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, sepsis, or both (meningococcal septicemia). Will, a keen basketball player, had meningococcal septicemia, his mum Megan told Fox Carolina. His symptoms were not described. But they include a fever, vomiting, headache and a rash that may be red or purple. 'We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin,' said Dr Anna-Kathryn Burch. 'MOST TRAUMATIC DAY OF MY LIFE' My son, 18, wrote his illness off as a hangover - hours later he was dead 'It's not a typically 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.' Around one in 10 people have N. meningitidis at the back of their throat without having symptoms or being unwell. Carriers can pass it on to others by close contact, such as sneezing, coughing or kissing. According to Meningitis Research: 'Only a small fraction of people who are exposed to meningococcal bacteria become ill with meningococcal disease. ' It most often strikes children and young people. Vaccinations can protect against some types of meningitis, with viral meningitis being the most common form and bacterial meningitis the rarer. Dr Burch warned of speed at which the disease can take hold in someone's body. '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," she said. William - who has three siblings - Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight - will be remembered by his family as having 'flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire'. 5 5 Know the signs of meningitis and septicaemia Meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord – the meninges. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs as meningitis and is life-threatening. It can occur with or without meningitis. Both meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours, so it is critical to know the symptoms so you can act fast. Symptoms can appear in any order and not all of them show. For example, the meningitis rash does not always appear. It can be hard to tell meningitis/septicaemia apart from other common bugs. The symptoms marked with a * indicate those that are more specific to meningitis/septicaemia and are rarer with common bugs. Symptoms of both septicaemia and meningitis Fever and/or vomiting Very sleepy, vacant or difficult to wake Confused/delirious* A rash, which can be anywhere on the body* Additional symptoms of meningitis Severe headache Seizures Dislike of bright lights Stiff neck* Additional symptoms of septicaemia Breathing fast/breathlessness Pale or mottled skin Limb/muscle/joint pain, which may come with stomach pain or diarrhoea * Cold hands, feet or shivering* Source: Meningitis Research Foundation His obituary read: '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 a highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend. '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. 'Will was recognized as an 'All A's' student, a testament to his intelligence, curiosity, and occasional bursts of focus between jokes. 'Beyond the classroom and court, Will was known for his infectious smile, playful banter amongst friends, and unmatched gift for turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories.'
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
