Sepsis Explainer

Get ahead of sepsis

Each year, at least 1.7 million Americans develop sepsis, a risky complication that can develop due to infection. Nearly 270,000 people die as a result. Adults in nursing homes can be especially vulnerable, since bedsores can cause sepsis. Septicemia is an infection in the bloodstream that can cause sepsis. Data shows that septicemia may be more dangerous for American Indians and Alaska Natives. From 2009–2011, American Indians and Alaska Natives died from Septicemia at a rate of 17.3%, compared to 10.6% in 2010 for the general U.S. population.

The following resources help explain the seriousness of sepsis and why timely treatment is so important: CDC information on how to recognize and respond to sepsis CDC educational outreach materials Kaiser Health News Sepsis Explainervideo