Tamil Nadu records one in five sepsis deaths in India

Sumit Jha

Dec 30, 2025

Health

Health

Tamil Nadu recorded 20,957 septicaemia or sepsis deaths in 2023, representing one in five bloodstream infection fatalities in India and the highest absolute burden in the country.

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The state’s septicaemia deaths —20.2% of the national total — is a disproportionately high share given that Tamil Nadu represents only 14.3%of India’s medically certified deaths.

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Septicaemia, or bloodstream infection, occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream and trigger a systemic inflammatory response. 

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It represents the most severe form of infection and frequently originates from hospital procedures, invasive medical devices, or complications of existing illnesses.

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Tamil Nadu reports elevated sepsis cases due to endemic infections like melioidosis, healthcare-associated lapses, and high-risk factors such as diabetes and monsoon exposure.