Septicaemia, commonly known as blood poisoning, is a bacterial infection of the blood.

See also Map 23 Meningitis.

Scotland stands out as having high rates, particularly in and around Glasgow. Tyneside, the south Wales valleys, Manchester, the Portsmouth and Southampton area, Grimsby and Birmingham are all areas with high rates. Many of these are areas that have high rates of limiting long-term illness. However, rates are not especially high in Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds, nor in Middlesbrough, most of Stoke and Cardiff. Thus septicaemia is not simply an affliction of poorer urban areas.

Anyone can develop septicaemia, but those with weakened immune systems and pre-existing illness are more susceptible. It is often the result of another infection within the body, for instance in the lungs or kidneys, getting into the bloodstream. Older people, children, intravenous drug users and people in intensive care units are more at risk. The symptoms are high fever, violent shaking, faintness, cold and pale hands and feet, rapid and shallow breathing, restlessness, delirium, shock and loss of consciousness. If treated early enough most people make a full recovery.