PRESS RELEASE: Undiagnosed Sepsis Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths

Undiagnosed sepsis is the leading cause of preventable deaths, according to the Australian Sepsis Network, who also say the issues currently faced will increase as the population ages.
In Australia, Sepsis causes almost 9,000 deaths per year, and costs $1.5 billion annually. Globally, it accounts for around 11 million deaths.
Lack of knowledge that would lead to a timely diagnosis makes sepsis the “number one preventable cause of death worldwide”, says the Australia Sepsis Network.
A fact sheet on the organisation’s website explains sepsis can affect people of all ages and under all kinds of medical care. This makes it extremely important for universal awareness of the signs and need for urgent attention.
The dangers of sepsis, which include multi-organ failure and death, can be easily avoided with antibiotics administered in a timely manner. Even a broad spectrum antibiotic until a proper diagnosis is made can help turn the situation from deadly to easily treatable.
The organisation also warns an ageing population means the burdens of the current situation will only increase.
In the lead up to World Sepsis Day on 13 September, Queensland resident Tiffany O’Shea wants to raise money for the Australian Sepsis Network “in memory of our beautiful boy”.
O’Shea’s 14-month-old son died in his sleep from undiagnosed sepsis in 2012, coincidentally the first year World Sepsis Day was established to raise awareness of the potentially fatal but highly preventable illness.
According to O’Shea “The Australian Sepsis Network is the only dedicated national body working to reduce the burden of sepsis in Australia, through research and advocacy.”
“It took one year to find out what happened [to her infant]. I had heard of sepsis but I didn’t really know what it was”, O’Shea explains on her mycause fundraising page
The Australian Sepsis Network (ASN) is a collaborative of individuals and organisations who are working to improve outcomes for Australian patients with sepsis and to provide information and support to the families and friends of people with sepsis.
World Sepsis Day is a Global Sepsis Alliance initiative.
ENDS

https://mycau.se/in-memory-of-hayden-james-oshea

For any media enquiries please contact Deborah van Raay on 0418 659 145 or [email protected]