Any infection can progress into sepsis, experts warn

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Health experts have warned against self-medication as blood poisoning, commonly known as sepsis, claims lives, especially from infections that resist treatment.

They say that about four in every ten people who die of blood poisoning have infections caused by germs that no longer respond to available medicines.

Sepsis happens when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection. The body’s reaction causes damage to its own tissues and organs.

Dr Charles Olaro, the director general of health services at Uganda's Ministry of Health, said without urgent treatment, sepsis can cause shock, organ failure, and death within hours.

Dr Charles Olaro, Director General Health Services at the Ministry of Health, signing during the commemoration of Sepsis Awareness month under the Voices Against Sepsis, at the Ministry of Health, as Dr Susan Nabadda, Commissioner in charge of National Health Laboratory Services, looks on. (Photo by Violet Nabatanzi)

He was speaking at the commemoration of Sepsis Awareness month on September 30 in Kampala.

Sepsis often begins with a seemingly simple infection like pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, a wound, or an infection after childbirth or surgery.

According to Olaro, warning signs include high fever, fast breathing, confusion, shivering, or extreme weakness. In newborns, danger signs include refusal to breastfeed, rapid breathing, or sudden deterioration of health. 

“Many sepsis cases are hard to treat,” said Olaro.

Dr Priscilla Haguma, a physician at World Alliance for Lung and Intensive Care Medicine in Uganda (WALIMU), said early treatment is critical. 

“Any infection can progress into sepsis. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many patients did not die from the virus itself but from the way the body reacted by turning against its own organs. This is the same with other infections caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses," she said.

Haguma said common illnesses in hospitals, such as ear infections, pneumonia, diarrhoeal disease, and urinary tract infections, can all escalate into sepsis if ignored. 

The leading bacterial causes in Uganda remain pneumonia and diarrhoeal infections.

Prevention best weapon

Experts said prevention is the most effective weapon. Maintaining hygiene and sanitation, getting vaccinated, and boosting immunity through good nutrition can reduce infections.

They also cautioned against self-medication.

Dr Saudah Namubiru Kizito said sepsis cannot be managed at home or in small clinics. “It is a life-threatening condition that requires hospital care, often in an intensive care unit."

Winnie Agwang, a laboratory officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO), commended the health ministry for its strides in advancing infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, and critical care services. 

She said these efforts position Uganda as a proactive member of the global movement to reduce preventable deaths from sepsis.

Agwang urged health workers to routinely screen all patients for sepsis, make use of the available clinical tools and protocols for early detection and management, and consistently report and document sepsis cases to strengthen surveillance and response.

Robinah Kaitiritimba, the executive director of Uganda National Health Consumers' Organisation (UNHCO), emphasised the need to take prevention messages to the community and provide people with accurate information. 

She said it is equally important to equip health workers with the skills to address challenges at the community level while helping them understand the danger and emergency nature of sepsis.

Kaitiritimba also said that sepsis should be integrated into emergency services.