World Sepsis Day: HSE highlights the signs and symptoms amid rising cases

Sophie Collins

Today, Friday September 13th, marks World Sepsis Day

A global effort is underway to raise awareness about the dangers of sepsis – a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection.

The HSE is urging the public to familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of sepsis, which can often be mistaken for other conditions.

According to the HSE National Sepsis Report 2023, there were 15,722 cases of sepsis and septic shock diagnosed in Irish hospitals in the past year.

While the number of cases has risen, the mortality rate has decreased to 19.3%, compared to 21.8% the previous year.

This improvement is attributed to quality initiatives in hospitals that have significantly reduced sepsis-associated deaths.

Key Findings

The 2023 report offers critical insights into the demographics and severity of sepsis cases in Ireland:

Age and Mortality: 64% of those who died from sepsis were aged 75 or over, indicating that older adults are particularly vulnerable.

Critical Care Admissions: Over 27% of sepsis patients required admission to critical care beds, highlighting the severity of many cases.

Pregnancy-Related Sepsis: There were 260 cases of pregnancy-related sepsis, but notably, no deaths were reported.

Sepsis in Children: Between 2020 and 2023, there were 2,891 cases of sepsis in children, with 117 fatalities.

Early Detection and Treatment

Speaking on World Sepsis Day, Dr. Michael O’Dwyer, Clinical Lead of the HSE Sepsis Programme, emphasised the importance of awareness and early intervention.

“We are encouraging everybody to make themselves familiar with the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

“We know that, as well as prevention measures, early detection and treatment saves lives. That is why it is so important to be aware and know the signs,” he said.

Dr. O’Dwyer added: “Sepsis can hide behind any infection and can lead to a rapid deterioration in health. Research has found that symptoms of sepsis are easy to dismiss, miss or mistake for something else. So if you suspect you or someone you know has sepsis, seek urgent medical care and always ask, ‘Could it be Sepsis?’”

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms

Improving public knowledge about the signs and symptoms of sepsis remains a top priority for the HSE Sepsis Programme.

This initiative includes national public information campaigns, community activities, and ongoing education for health and social care staff.

Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis in Adults (Including Maternity):

S: Slurred speech, new confusion, or too sick to communicate; drowsiness.
E: Extreme shivering, muscle aches, or fever.
P: No urine output in the last 12 hours and a lack of urge to urinate.
S: Shortness of breath, blue-tinged lips, rapid heart rate, or dizziness upon sitting or standing.
I: An overwhelming feeling of impending death.
S: Mottled or discolored skin, or a new rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass (glass test).

Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis in Children:

Very fast breathing
Fits or convulsions
Mottled skin (irregular color), bluish or pale
A rash that does not fade when pressed
Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
Feeling unusually cold to the touch
No urine output for more than 12 hours

While the decline in mortality rates from sepsis is a positive sign, the rising number of cases serves as a reminder of the critical need for awareness and education. Sepsis can affect anyone, and recognising its symptoms early can be life-saving.

On World Sepsis Day, the HSE encourages everyone to ask themselves, “Could it be sepsis?” whenever an infection is suspected, and to seek immediate medical attention.