Latest news with #Meningococcemia
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish 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. Advertisement 5 William Hand died on June 8, only 14 years old. His dad wrote: "This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son." Credit: Post & Courier Obituaries 5 His family, including parents William and Megan Hand and siblings Emi Reese, 15, Logan, 12 and Rediger, eight, said he had a "big smile" Credit: Facebook 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, 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. Advertisement Read more real life '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, Will, a keen basketball player, had meningococcal septicemia, his mum Megan told Advertisement Most read in Health 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. Advertisement 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 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. Advertisement 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 William was a keen sportsplayer Credit: Facebook Advertisement 5 He was described as the "life of the party" Credit: Facebook 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: His '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. Advertisement '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.' 5
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Teenager, 14, dies within days of catching rare bacterial infection as doctors issue terrifying warning
A South Carolina teenager has died just days after catching a rare bacterial infection, prompting doctors to issue a warning over the symptoms. William Hand, 14, tragically succumbed to a rare blood infection known as Meningococcemia on June 8 only days after catching the fast-moving illness. The recent eight grade Hughes Academy of Science and Technology graduate woke up before 5am and was 'clearly not well,' his dad Will Hand wrote on Facebook. 'Everything snowballed and God called him home,' he said. 'This is how I will always choose to remember Will. Flowing hair, big smile and in sports attire. I will see you again, son.' Meningococcemia, or meningococcal septicemia, is caused from Neisseria meningitidis bacteria which had entered the teen's bloodstream. '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 is spread through saliva or respiratory secretions, and can be transferred from person to person through close contact or sharing items such as drinks or utensils. Burch stressed that, while aggressive, the disease is uncommon and not always fatal. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light, nausea, or vomiting. It can also cause a rash that does not fade when pressed. 'We call it a petechial rash because it looks like broken blood vessels underneath the skin,' Burch told the outlet. '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.' The Department of Public Health reported 12 cases of the illness in South Carolina in the past 1.5 years, four of which resulted in death. A spokesperson for DHEC told the outlet: '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.' The most effective preventative action against Meningococcemia is vaccination, according to The Centers for Disease Control. Hand is remembered as 'the highlight of many people's day-equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend.' '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,' his obituary 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.' The little league baseball player was described by his team, Greenville Little League, 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.' A celebration of Hand's life was held on Friday, and, in lieu of flowers, his family asked donations be made to the team that cared for him in his final moments at Prisma Health Children's hospital.
