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.
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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'.
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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.'
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