SEATTLE — A study in The Lancet estimates that sepsis is associated with one in five deaths around the world, or more deaths than cancer.
Citing the authors, the University of Washington says in a news release that the study's figure doubled the previous estimates of global sepsis deaths.
Sepsis is triggered by diarrhoeal infections or lung diseases that cause the immune system to overreact.
The immune cells attack the patient's own body and can lead to organ failure followed by death.
In adults, sepsis symptoms include passing little urine, shivering, extreme shivering or muscle pain, and mottled or discolored skin.
According to the paper, low and middle income countries are overwhelmingly more affected by sepsis cases.
Those deaths could have been prevented by better sanitation, clean water, and access to vaccines.