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Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a very rare, life–threatening infection that is most often associated with the use of tampons and, in some cases, diaphragms and contraceptive sponges. However, it can also be triggered by other events (e.g., childbirth, surgery), injuries or certain illnesses.

While TSS most often occurs in menstruating women, it can also affect postmenopausal women, children and men.

TSS is caused by bacteria naturally present in the body in areas such as the nose, skin or vagina. These bacteria produce toxins that generally cause only mild infections, if any, in most people, such as strep throat or other strep infections or staph infections. This is because most people have developed immunity to these toxins at some point in their lives. However, in rare instances people who are not immune to the toxins can have a severe reaction to them. TSS may also rarely occur when the immune system is unable to combat the amount of toxins released during tampon use. 

People at risk for TSS include:

• Women using tampons and/or barrier contraceptive devices (e.g., diaphragms). The risk increases if used during the first 12 weeks after childbirth.
  
  
• Those with an undeveloped or weakened immune system (e.g., children, cancer patients) who have undergone surgery, including those who have developed infections from deep wounds or other ruptures of the skin.

Symptoms of TSS develop suddenly and may include:

• High fever
  
  
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  
  
• A rash resembling a sunburn
  
  
• Muscle aches
  
  
• Redness of the eyes, mouth and/or throat
  
  
• Seizures
  
  
• Headaches
  
  
• Low blood pressure

If left untreated, TSS can put people at risk for organ failure, shock or death. Because the disease spreads rapidly and has life–threatening implications, treatment usually centers on taking care of the affected organs in addition to the use of antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. If the illness results from an infected wound, surgery may be required to rid the affected area of the bacteria.