AN MP is calling greater action to tackle an “unknown” life-threatening illness.

Rebecca Harris, Tory MP for Castle Point was speaking at an event in parliament to raise awareness of sepsis - a condition, which claims the lives of 44,000 people – including 1,000 children - every year in the UK.

Mrs Harris believes greater commitment of government resources could save thousands of lives each year.

She said: “While sepsis is a condition which may not hit the headlines, it is deadly.

“It is a little known life threatening illness that claims the lives of 44,000 people in the UK every year, including 1,000 children.

“If timely interventions proposed by the UK Sepsis Trust were adopted across the NHS it could save up to 12,500 lives a year and the NHS money.”

“I want to see sepsis viewed as a medical emergency and have a higher profile among medical professionals and the public.

“The easiest and most of effective way of doing this is the government committing to a dedicated public awareness campaign for the general population.”

The disease arises when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and death, especially if it is not recognised early and treated promptly.

In a bid to reduce deaths like these, the UK Sepsis Trust and the Sepsis APPG are urging for both the public and healthcare professionals to be more aware of the ‘silent killer’.

Both are calling for the Department of Health to commit to a public awareness campaign, aimed at both adults and children solely on sepsis.

Dr Ron Daniels, Chief Executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, said “We hope that the event will allow MPs to learn more about sepsis and take the message back to their colleagues and constituents.”

“An awareness campaign is something we've been calling for a long time. It is an absolute necessity that this campaign is dedicated on sepsis and aimed at a both adults and children.”