The State That Had The Most Deaths From Septicemia In 2021 May Surprise You

Septicemia occurs when germs — like bacteria or viruses — enter the bloodstream (via Cleveland Clinic). Also known as blood poisoning, it stems from an infection of a part of the body like the skin or lungs, for example (per Healthline). Common causes of the infection include but are not limited to infections of the kidneys, lungs, or urinary tract.

Keep in mind, septicemia is potentially dangerous because it can lead to sepsis, which causes an inflammatory response in the body. The two are often confused with one another. However, the symptoms of septicemia range from chills and fever, to general weakness or extreme sweating (per Britannica). There may even be a pronounced drop in blood pressure, referred to as septic shock, which can be fatal (per Healthline). The 2021 results for death rates from septicemia in the United States are in, and the state with the highest rate may surprise you.

Death rates from septicemia differ from state to state, with some parts of the United States facing lower rates than others. In 2021, Maine, Vermont, and California had the lowest death count from septicemia, with Maine at 1.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Vermont at 4, and California at 4.2. On the other side of the coin, New Jersey, Alabama, and Louisiana had the highest death count from septicemia. New Jersey registered 17.2 deaths per 100,000 people, while Alabama had 18.6. Louisiana topped the list with 19.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several risk factors that make a person more likely to get septicemia. For example, those who are older or very young are at a higher risk. Your chances of catching the infection also go up if you've had septicemia before or have an infection, are immunocompromised, have other conditions, like cancer or diabetes, or display open wounds and burns.