What Is Sepsis? – Definition of Sepsis
Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. Sepsis is the final common pathway to death from most infectious diseases worldwide, including viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19.
Sepsis - Explained in 3 Minutes
The following video explains sepsis in 3 minutes - including the most common causes, symptoms, how it can be diagnosed and treated, and more. You can watch it on YouTube or download it below to send it to friends and family.
Sepsis - A global Health Crisis
Sepsis is a global health crisis.
It affects between 47 and 50 million people every year, at least 11 million die – one death every 2.8 seconds.
20% of all deaths worldwide are associated with sepsis.
Depending on country, mortality varies between 15 and more than 50 %.
Many surviving patients suffer from the consequences of sepsis for the rest of their lives.
Impact in AFRICA
At least 2 million sepsis deaths are estimated to occur in Africa each year. These statistics, however, are presumed to be gross underestimates, because in Africa sepsis is rarely diagnosed, reported, or registered as cause of death. Sepsis is the third biggest cause of maternal mortality, accounting for 11% of global maternal deaths. Accounting for two-thirds of maternal deaths, Africa is expected to have high rates of maternal mortality attributed to sepsis.
Because sepsis is underreported in Africa, the real financial burden is unknown but includes direct costs to the healthcare system, as well as indirect costs to the economy.
More information about sepsis is available in the following material prepared by the African Research Collaboration on Sepsis.
Sepsis - Common Causes
Most types of microorganisms can cause sepsis, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. However, it may also be caused by infections with seasonal influenza viruses, dengue viruses, and highly transmissible pathogens of public health concern; such as avian and swine influenza viruses, Ebola, and yellow fever viruses.
Sepsis often presents as the clinical deterioration of common and preventable infections such as those of the respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tract, or of wounds and skin. Sepsis is frequently under-diagnosed at an early stage - when it still is potentially reversible.
Sepsis - Symptoms
The following symptoms might indicate sepsis:
Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever
Passing no urine all day
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discolored
If you have a confirmed or suspected infection and are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your local hospital or physician immediately.
Sepsis - Risk Groups
Everybody can get sepsis, no matter how healthy or how good in shape you are, or where you live. Certain people are at an even higher risk. Those include:
Children under 1
Adults over 60
People with no spleen
People with chronic diseases, e.g. lung, liver, heart
People with weakened immune systems, e.g. AIDS, Diabetes
Prevent Sepsis
Sepsis is the number one cause of preventable death worldwide. The best way to prevent sepsis is to prevent infection in the first place, which can be done by:
Vaccination
Clean water
Hand hygiene
Prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs)
Safe childbirth
Awareness
Post-Sepsis Symptoms (PSS)
Sepsis does not end at hospital discharge. Many sepsis survivors suffer from the consequences of sepsis for the rest of their lives. These can include:
Sadness
Difficulty swallowing
Muscle weakness
Clouded thinking
Difficulty sleeping
Poor Memory
Difficulty Concentrating
Fatigue
Anxiety
World Sepsis Day - September 13
World Sepsis Day was initiated by the Global Sepsis Alliance in 2012. Every year on September 13th, events in all parts of the world raise awareness for sepsis worldwide. There are events for medical professionals, sport activities, photo exhibitions, pink picnics, gala events, dinners, public events such as open houses in hospitals and healthcare facilities, and of course online events, such as campaigns on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, as well as many more social networks.
Materials
For sepsis-related material, please download the fact sheet on sepsis in Africa below or visit the toolkit sections from our friends at World Sepsis Day.