TAIPEI (Taiwan News) -- Huang Yhu-cheng (黃玉成), an infectious disease specialist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said there are 110,000 sepsis cases in Taiwan annually, with up to 50% of severe cases resulting in death.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, sepsis was the 15th leading cause of death in Taiwan last year, claiming 2,309 lives. Huang said sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection, triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body, per CNA. This can result in tissue damage, fever, rapid heartbeat, organ failure, and even death.
Sepsis treatment must begin immediately. Those with the condition are typically taken to the intensive care unit, where they get antibiotics to fight the infection and fluids to keep their blood pressure and organs working. In serious cases, they may need medicine to raise blood pressure, or treatments like dialysis or a breathing machine if their organs start to fail.
Taiwan Infectious Diseases Society Deputy Secretary-General Hsieh Hsien-sen (謝顯森) noted that people with weakened immune systems, such as those with chronic illnesses and individuals undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk for sepsis.
Earlier this month, a backhoe operator from Taoyuan, surnamed Lin (林), died after developing sepsis from a leg injury he sustained while clearing mud in Hualien's Guangfu Township. Lin had traveled to the area to help clean up the Mataian barrier lake overflow following heavy rains from Typhoon Ragasa. He sought medical help eight days after the injury, when his wound became swollen.
Hsieh warned that wounds sustained during disaster zone cleanup may become infected due to high levels of bacteria in contaminated water and advised immediate disinfection. He added that medical attention should be sought promptly if the wound becomes swollen, spreads, or is accompanied by a fever.