DAR ES SALAAM, July 25 -- WHAT often begins as a mild burning sensation during urination or an increased urge to visit the toilet can quickly become a serious medical emergency if left untreated.

Health experts warn that delayed diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) continues to expose many people to preventable complications, including recurrent infections, permanent kidney damage and, in severe cases, sepsis, a life-threatening condition in which infection spreads into the bloodstream.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, affecting the bladder, urethra, ureters or kidneys. Common symptoms include painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, lower abdominal pain, cloudy or bloody urine and a persistent feeling of ...