On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali, the “Greatest of All Time” died. As most people know, Muhammad Ali had been battling Parkinson’s disease for decades. However, the cause of his death—ultimately—was septic shock.

Sepsis is a serious medical condition. More than 1 million cases of sepsis are recorded in the United States each year, and between 28 and 50 percent of people who suffer from sepsis die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, sepsis comes in ninth on the CDC’s list of disease-related deaths. Given the aging population in the United States, the CDC expects number of deaths caused by sepsis to grow.

While most people at least have some passing familiarity with the early signs of heart attack and stroke, they are unfamiliar with the signs of sepsis. The best defense against sepsis is early diagnosis and treatment. However, many doctors and nurses do not automatically consider sepsis when facing a patient in its early stages because it resembles many other diagnoses. A person with sepsis can deteriorate rapidly and time is of the essence when it comes to recognizing and treating this condition.

Individuals with compromised symptoms, the elderly, and the very young are at a higher risk for sepsis. However, anyone with even a seemingly minor infection can get sepsis. With sepsis, germs from an infection multiply and proliferate, which can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including shaking, fever, pale skin, rapid breathing and heart rate, confusion, fatigue and intense pain. If left untreated too long, it can cause death.

In fact, medical malpractice claims arising from failing to diagnose sepsis are altogether too common. Increasing awareness about sepsis with doctors, nurses, hospitals, and in the general public will help save lives. Remarkably, that is exactly what is occurring after Muhammad Ali’s death.

The publicity about sepsis related to Muhammad Ali’s death is helping to increase sepsis awareness. The Indianapolis Star published a story about Muhammad Ali’s death, which describes efforts hospitals and other healthcare groups in Indianapolis have taken to raise awareness of sepsis. The story can be found here:

[Indy hospitals tackle sepsis, killer of Muhammad Ali](http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/06/13/indy-hospitals-tackle-sepsis-killer-muhammed-ali/85615762/)

In addition, the following is a small sample of the multiple national and international stories related to Muhammad Ali, which raise awareness about sepsis:

[Cause of Muhammad Ali’s Death, Septic Shock, Targets Sick, Elderly](http://www.nbcnews.com/news/sports/cause-muhammad-ali-s-death-septic-shock-targets-sick-elderly-n585926)

[What killed Muhammad Ali?](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-36453779)

The fact that the “Greatest of All Time” succumbed to sepsis is helping to increase awareness of this terrible disease. In addition to all the other good that Muhammad Ali did in his life, it is fitting that in his death he is bringing awareness to sepsis and saving lives.