News Summary
A 14-year-old boy named William Hand has died from a rare bacterial infection known as meningococcal septicemia. His family describes him as an enthusiastic athlete and a loving friend. Health officials raise awareness about meningococcal disease and its symptoms, as well as the importance of vaccination. Donations in his memory are encouraged for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital.
Greenville Family Mourning After Teen’s Death
Greenville, South Carolina – A 14-year-old boy has died unexpectedly from a rare bacterial infection known as meningococcal septicemia. William Hand, who had recently graduated from the eighth grade at Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, succumbed to the illness last Sunday after experiencing alarming symptoms just days prior to his death.
According to William’s mother, Megan Hand, the dangerous bacteria Neisseria meningitidis entered his bloodstream, leading to the rapid decline in his health. Meningococcal disease is a serious but uncommon illness reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the potential to cause life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and bloodstream infections.
William’s family remembers him as an enthusiastic athlete, a comic spirit full of laughter, a music lover, and a devoted friend. His death has left a profound impact on his community and those who knew him.
Understanding Meningococcal Disease
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has confirmed a total of 12 cases of Neisseria meningitidis in the state over the past 18 months, leading to four fatalities. Despite these numbers, health officials have stated that these occurrences do not constitute an outbreak, as there are no identified links between these cases.
Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch from Prisma Health highlighted the aggressive nature of these infections, which can progress rapidly. The disease spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions, typically transmitted via close contact with an infected person or by sharing personal items. Symptoms of meningococcal disease include high fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and a distinctive petechial rash that does not fade when pressed.
Preventative Measures
To combat this potentially fatal illness, two FDA-approved vaccines for Neisseria meningitidis are available: the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine and the Meningococcal B vaccine. The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine is recommended for all adolescents, while parents are urged to discuss the need for the Meningococcal B vaccine with their child’s healthcare provider.
As a tribute to William’s memory, his family has requested that donations be made to the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers, expressing gratitude for the staff’s efforts to save his life during his final hours.
Community Response
The untimely passing of William Hand has reignited discussions about the importance of vaccinations and awareness of meningococcal disease in the Greenville community. Public health officials are continuing to monitor the situation and emphasize the vital role vaccinations play in preventing such rare but serious diseases.
In moments like these, the resilience of the community is tested, as family members and friends come together to honor the life of a young boy taken too soon. As further awareness spreads, health officials hope to prevent future tragedies through education and preventive health measures.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: 14-Year-Old Greenville Dies from Bacterial Infection
- Wikipedia: Meningococcal Disease
- The State: Local Education News
- Google Search: Meningococcal Septicemia
- CDC: Meningococcal Disease
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Neisseria
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
