Sepsis is a global public health concern. Internationally it contributes to more than 5 million deaths annually. Although rates are variable between countries, over the past 40 years reported incidence has continued to increase. Aside from potential differences in patient populations, the variation in reported rates also reflects differences in identification strategies, access to health care, and awareness of the diagnosis. Factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, comorbid disease, and type and site of infection impact the development of and outcomes from sepsis. Although advances have been made in treatment, its impact remains substantial.