The World Sepsis Day takes place annually on September 13 and is intended to draw attention to the possible consequences of sepsis (blood poisoning). Possible triggers include different pathogens, including meningococcal bacteria that are transmitted by droplets infection. Meningococcal diseases are rare, but they can run life-threatening within a few hours and cause both sepsis and meningitis. However, there are protection options that should also be made aware of the World Sepsis Day.
The meningococcal infections can quickly become life-threatening and lead to meningitis (meningitis) and sepsis. Long -term consequences occur in up to 20 percent of the survivors of such an infection, which includes developmental disorders, hearing loss, learning difficulties, scarring or amputations of limbs. Babies and toddlers are particularly at risk, with most meningococcal cases in children under the age of five. The risk in the first year of life is highest because the immune system in babies is not yet fully mature. Young people also have an increased risk of infection due to their mostly sociable social behavior.
Unspecific symptoms make the diagnosis difficult
Little Tobias suffered meningococci at the age of only two months. The symptoms were initially not clear and no abnormalities could be found in the hospital, but his condition worsened rapidly. When his parents finally noticed dark spots on his skin, further examinations were carried out in the hospital, which finally confirmed a meningococcal infection. These bleeding of skin – also called petechia – are typical of a septic course.
Tobias’ condition continued to deteriorate and he fell into a coma. Due to the severe infection, he suffered a septic shock that led to kidney failure and acutely threatened his life. There were only a few hours between the first signs and this dangerous condition. The parents were worried about his life for days. Today Tobias is a happy and awakened child, but the disease still left traces: he lost a lower leg and the end members of his fingers through sepsis.
Enlightenment about meningococci
In Austria, different vaccinations are recommended that can protect against meningococcal disease and consequently also possible sepsis. According to the Austrian vaccination schedule, two vaccinations against the five most common groups of meningococci are recommended: vaccination against meningococcal B, which causes the most cases in Austria, is recommended for all children and adolescents as early as possible from the 2nd month of life and as a retrospective year of life. The combination vaccination against groups A, C, W and Y should be carried out in small children as early as possible in the 13th month of life or as a catch -up vaccination until the 10th birthday. Due to the increased infection risk in adolescence, vaccination is also recommended between the 10th and 13th birthday and is part of the free vaccination program in this age group. Subsequent vaccinations are again recommended until the 25th birthday.
Mothers, fathers and other caregivers from babies, toddlers and young people should be advised in pediatric practice on the meningococcal vaccinations. A free checklist is also available to have the most important questions in the reconnaissance discussion: https://www.meningokokken-erkrankung.at/schutzmoeglichkeiten/.
More information at:
www.meningokokken-erkrankung.at
www.facebook.com/MeningokokkenJaZumSchutz
www.instagram.com/meningokokkenjazumschutz/
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If you need medical advice, please contact your treating doctor. NP-AT-MNU-PRSR-250007; 08/2025
September 13th is World Sepsis Day
World Sepsis Day 2025: Babies, toddlers and adolescents protect them from meningococcal diseases as best as possible
Datum: 13.09.2025
Art: General appointments
Ort: n.a.
URL: https://www.meningokokken-erkrankung.at