Overview

• William “Will” Hand, 14, of Greenville died on June 8 after meningococcemia spread to his bloodstream within days of first symptoms.
• South Carolina’s Department of Public Health reported 12 cases of meningococcemia in the past 18 months, including four deaths, and found no epidemiological links among them.
• Infectious disease specialists warn the bacteria spreads through saliva, respiratory droplets and shared items such as drinks or utensils.
• Early signs include high fever, severe headache, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting and a petechial rash that does not fade when pressed.
• The Centers for Disease Control stresses that prompt antibiotic treatment is critical and that vaccination remains the most effective protection against meningococcal disease.