New York State Department of Health Recognizes Sepsis Awareness Month With Focus On Children

Early Identification, Treatment and Prevention of Infection Critical in Reducing Risk of Sepsis in Children

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 30, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health is recognizing the unique challenges faced by families whose children experience pediatric sepsis by highlighting the importance of early identification, diagnosis and treatment of infections that could lead to life-threatening sepsis during Sepsis Awareness Month.

"Sepsis is a serious infection in the bloodstream and it is always a life-threatening medical emergency," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "When caught early and treated appropriately with antibiotics and other supportive care, children can be successfully treated. As we recognize Sepsis Awareness Month, I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms associated with sepsis, especially among the children in their lives, and act fast to seek medical treatment."

Sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection. It is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout the body. Anyone can get an infection and almost any infection can lead to sepsis, but some children may be at higher risk, including those younger than one year of age; who have a weakened immune system; have chronic conditions, such as kidney disease; who've had recent severe illness, been hospitalized or had surgery; or who have survived previous sepsis infection.

Without timely treatment, sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The key to timely treatment is recognizing the signs and symptoms of sepsis:

  • High heart rate or weak pulse
  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Shortness of breath
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Clammy or sweaty skin

The most recent Department data shows approximately 600 children in New York are impacted by severe sepsis and septic shock each year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most sepsis cases start before a child is admitted to a hospital, and nearly one third of children with sepsis had a healthcare visit within the week before they were hospitalized.

The unique challenges of identifying and quickly treating sepsis in children has been highlighted by END SEPSIS. The organization was founded by the family of 12-year-old Rory Staunton, who died of sepsis. END SEPSIS spearheaded efforts to make New York the first state in the nation to mandate regulations that require all hospitals to adopt evidence-based sepsis protocols named Rory's Regulations in honor of the young boy's legacy.

Ciaran and Orlaith Staunton, founders of END SPESIS the Legacy of Rory Staunton said, "No child should be lost to a preventable illness like sepsis. Thanks to Rory's Regulations, the New York State Department of Health has taken vital steps to save thousands of lives, giving families hope and protecting children across the state."

The regulations require hospitals to develop a set of protocols for children and adults that include:

  • A process for the screening and early recognition of patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.
  • A process to identify and document individuals appropriate for treatment with protocols for severe sepsis and septic shock.
  • Guidelines for treatment, including the early delivery of antibiotics when appropriate.

The regulations also require training for healthcare providers for quickly recognizing and treating sepsis in adults and children, and the reporting of sepsis-related data to the New York State Department of Health for use in evaluation and creation of risk-adjusted mortality rates.

Along with the regulations, the efforts of hospitals and the Department are credited with saving more than 16,000 lives from 2015 to 2019.

Additional information about sepsis symptoms and prevention is available on the Department's website: health.ny.gov/diseases/conditions/sepsis/.