Toxic shock syndrome rare yet deadly

December 22, 4:46 PMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

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TSS is a rare but potentially fatal disease

According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection. Signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome develop suddenly, and the disease can be fatal.

There are two types of TSS. The first is caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and has been associated with the use of tampons. Although the exact connection is still not clear, researchers speculate that certain types of high-absorbency tampons provided a moist, warm home where the bacteria could thrive.

The second type of related infection, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, or STSS, is caused by streptococcus bacteria. Most often STSS appears after streptococcus bacteria have invaded areas of injured skin, such as cuts and scrapes, surgical wounds, and even chickenpox blisters. It rarely follows streptococcus throat infection (strep throat).

TSS can affect anyone who has any type of staph infection, including pneumonia, abscess, skin or wound infection, a blood infection called septicemia, or a bone infection called osteomyelitis. 

Young people are more at risk as they may not yet have developed sufficient antibodies. If a  a child contracts TSS, they will develop severe ‘flu-like’ symptoms such as a high fever, vomiting, and a sunburn like rash, muscle-aches and general weakness. An early diagnosis is really important as TSS can then be successfully treated with antibiotics

When to call a doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you or a child has any of the following signs and symptoms:

• High fever, sometimes accompanied by chills
• Malaise (discomfort, ill feeling)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Widespread red rash resembling sunburn
• Rash followed in 1 or 2 weeks by peeling of the skin, particularly on the palms of the hand or bottom of the feet
• Redness of eyes, mouth, throat
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)

There is no one diagnostic test for TSS. Once you realize something is wrong, it's important to get immediate medical attention. With early diagnosis toxic shock syndrome can be successfully treated. 

Unlike many diseases, people do not develop immunity to TSS once they have had it; therefore it has occasionally been known to recur.  If you have had TSS you need to remain alert to the signs and symptoms in the future.