Septic shock occurs more often in the very old and the very young and in people with other underlying illnesses. Many bacterial organisms can cause septic shock.
Toxins released by bacteria can cause tissue damage and interfere with normal blood circulation.
Other risk factors are recent infection, prolonged antibiotic therapy, and a recent surgery or procedure. The incidence is approximately 3 out of 1,000,000 people annually. However, many cases cannot be prevented. The organism involved and the immediacy of hospitalization will determine the outcome. Respiratory or cardiac failure can occur.