“It started with a small scratch from my puppy — in 48 hours I was in a coma”

Sepsis, the silent killer – the leading cause of death from infection around the world

Every 20 minutes, an Australian is admitted to ICU with sepsis — yet most have never heard of it. It affects over 55,000 Australians and claims more than 8,700 lives each year — more than breast, prostate or skin cancer combined.

World Sepsis Day (Saturday 13 September) is a reminder that this life-threatening condition can strike anyone, at any time.

Victorian academic Dr Jacob Dye knows that all too well.
“What started as a tiny 1cm scratch from my 12-week-old puppy turned into a fight for my life. I thought I was just battling a mild cold, but within 48 hours I was collapsing—hit by flu-like symptoms, crushing fatigue, confusion, and difficulty breathing.
“By the time I staggered into the ED, barely conscious and unable to walk properly, I was rushed straight onto the sepsis pathway,” Mr Dye said.
“Within a day in ICU, my vital signs crashed despite antibiotics. With all my organs failing, doctors told my family I had less than a 5 percent chance of survival. Fifteen clinicians worked tirelessly around the clock to keep me alive. Against all odds—and thanks to their incredible care—I survived, though the road to recovery was anything but easy.”

Image of sepsis survivor Dr Jacob Dye — Sepsis survivor Dr Jacob Dye

Head of Research at The Alfred ICU Professor Andrew Udy, says Jacob’s harrowing experience is not uncommon.

“Sepsis is an incredibly traumatic illness for patients and their families. What happened to Jacob shows just how quickly it can strike — even in young, healthy people — and why awareness is absolutely critical,” Professor Udy said.

Professor Udy says the health system also needs to learn from these lived experiences.

“Every patient story contains valuable lessons — from how sepsis is recognised in the community, to the moment they enter hospital, through to their recovery months or even years later.”

He urged people with any experience of sepsis to take part in the Shaping Sepsis Care survey, part of a national project to identify the top research priorities for sepsis care in Australia.

“By sharing your experience, you are directly helping shape future research, policy, and treatment so that more Australians survive sepsis and recover well.”

The Shaping Sepsis Care survey is now open for: