Syndrome, toxic shock

A grave condition occurring predominantly in menstruating women using tampons, toxic shock is characterized by a highly toxic state (with sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aching) followed by low blood pressure (hypotension) which can lead to shock (and death).

There may be a rash resembling sunburn with peeling of skin.

The Channing Laboratory in Boston under Dr.

Edw.

Kass discovered that toxic shock was due to a toxin produced by Staph (Staphylococcus) aureus bacteria growing under conditions with little or no oxygen.

The syndrome occurs rarely in women not using tampons and in men