UnityPoint Health – Meriter secures statewide proclamation for September Sepsis Awareness Month
MADISON, WI – The recent sudden and tragic deaths of two young public figures – NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, 41 and actress Daveigh Chase, 35, who voiced Lilo in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch — have put a national spotlight on just how deadly a sepsis infection can be. Healthcare experts at UnityPoint Health – Meriter know the deadly impact of this infection and have worked with Governor Tony Evers to declare September Sepsis Awareness month, and want the public to know the warning signs.
Sepsis is a medical emergency caused by the body’s dysregulated, extreme response to an infection. Kyle Busch died from pneumonia-induced sepsis and Daveigh Chase from a sepsis induced by complications from a blood infection. Sepsis can develop from common localized infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin wounds, or abdominal infections.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sepsis affects at least 1.7 million adults nationally each year, and contributes to 350,000 deaths. According to data for the Department of Health Services, Wisconsin hospitals recorded 37,687 hospitalizations for sepsis. Sepsis was the number one diagnosis in 2025, exceeding hear failure cases.
“Sepsis is a medical emergency where every hour counts, but it is both treatable and preventable if identified early,” said Sherry Henseler, clinical performance manager for Meriter. “The loss of figures like Kyle Busch and Daveigh Chase shows that sepsis does not discriminate by age, athletic condition, or background. Our staff advocated for this official proclamation from Governor Evers because early detection is the single most effective tool we have. Up to 80% of sepsis deaths are preventable if caught early.”
Know the Signs (T.I.M.E.):
Temperature: Higher or lower than normal
Infection: Showing signs or symptoms of an active infection
Mental Decline: Confused, sleepy, or difficult to rouse
Extremely Ill: Severe pain, shortness of breath, or extreme discomfort
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or loves ones, it’s important to seek emergency medical treatment as soon as possible.
