A 14-year-old boy in South Carolina died within days of becoming ill with a rare bacterial infection
William “Will” Hand died on June 8 from meningococcal septicemia after the infection got into his bloodstream
A doctor said the illness spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions and through sharing everyday items like beverages
A 14-year-old boy in South Carolina died of a rare infection within days of showing symptoms.

William “Will” Hand of Greenville died on Sunday, June 8, according to his online obituary and local news outlet Fox Carolina. His mother, Megan, told the outlet that Will had meningococcal septicemia, also known as meningococcemia, and that the infection got into his bloodstream.

Dr. Anna-Kathryn Burch, an infectious disease specialist at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, where Will was treated, told Fox Carolina that infections of this nature happen “so quickly,” adding, “sometimes it is very hard to save the person who is infected with the bacteria.”

Dr. Burch told the outlet that the illness spreads through saliva and respiratory secretions and through sharing everyday items like beverages.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, per the Cleveland Clinic. 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,” Dr. Burch said of the rash while speaking to Fox Carolina. “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 Centers for Disease Control states that meningococcal disease is “uncommon,” though they note that early intervention with antibiotics is critical for treatment. Vaccines are the “best protection” against the infection, per the CDC.

Will is described by loved ones as having “a joyful spirit, quick smile and magnetic energy,” per his online obituary.

“His loss leaves a void that can never be filled,” they added.

“Will was a highlight of many people’s day — equal parts athlete, comedian, music lover, and loyal friend,” the obituary states, adding, “His teammates, coaches, and friends knew him as the life of party.”

The teen was also known for “turning everyday moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was walking to CVS … with his friends, or re-enacting WWE wrestling, he brought joy everywhere he went,” the obituary continued.

Will had just completed 8th grade at Hughes Academy in Greenville. He is survived by his parents, William and Megan, as well as two sisters and a brother, per the obituary.

A celebration of Will’s life was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville on Friday, June 13.