SAN DIEGO — A record 75% of U.S. adults say they’re familiar with the term “sepsis,” up from 69% in 2024 and just 19% when the survey began in 2003, according to the 2025 Sepsis Alliance Awareness Survey .

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to infection harms its own tissues and organs. It is the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals and the most expensive reason for hospitalization, costing an estimated $62 billion each year, the Sepsis Alliance reported.

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Each hour treatment is delayed raises sepsis mortality 4% to 9%, underscoring the need for rapid recognition and care.

The survey shows progress in awareness of sepsis but also persistent gaps. Among white adults,

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