Alarming Number of Children Dying from Sepsis

A new HSE report has revealed that 117 children in Ireland have died from sepsis in the last number of years.

The figures show that  2,891 cases diagnosed between 2020 and 2023. 5,722 people developed sepsis or septic shock last year, an increase from 14,742 cases in 2022.

Despite the rise in cases, the mortality rate has improved, dropping from 21.8% in 2022 to 19.3% in 2023. This decline is attributed to better training and faster recognition of sepsis by healthcare professionals.

Sepsis is especially dangerous for the elderly, with 64% of sepsis-related deaths in 2023 occurring in people aged 75 and older. Over a quarter of sepsis patients (27%) required admission to critical care units. Among 260 pregnant women diagnosed with sepsis last year, no fatalities were reported.

Sepsis, often called a “silent killer,” occurs when the body’s immune response to infection spirals out of control, damaging healthy tissues and organs.

Timely intervention with intravenous antibiotics and fluids remains critical, as sepsis can escalate rapidly and is often confused with other conditions, such as chest infections.