Toxic Shock Syndrome Factsheet 📞

TSS is caused by a toxin-producing bacteria that is released into the bloodstream which can involve many systems of the body. It can cause severe damage and illness.

Although toxic shock syndrome can affect anyone, including men, children, and postmenopausal women, individuals are at higher risk for TTS if they: 

• Use tampons or other devices, such as menstrual cups.
• Use vaginal contraceptive sponges.
• Have Staphyloccus aureus infections.
• Have an infection following child birth, abortion, and surgery.
• Have a surgical wound or a local infection in the skin or deep tissue. 

Menstruating women who have had TTS, or a prior serious staph or strep infection, should not use tampons

Symptoms of TTS usually occur about two days after infection and may include: 

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Drop in blood pressure
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Red rash often after the onset of symptoms
• Peeling skin one to two weeks after onset
• Headache
• Confusion 

Severe cases may include: 

• Very low blood pressure
• Organ failure

Health care providers can diagnose TSS based on symptoms or through diagnostic tests. Contact your provider immediately if you suspect TTS, it can quickly progress to a life-threatening disease.

Toxic shock syndrome is treated with antibiotics. Supportive treatment also may be needed, such as fluid replacement. Immune globulin may be used to treat the infection. If you have further questions about the treatment of your TTS, contact your health care provider.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions if using tampons, diaphragms and vaginal contraceptive sponges, as to how long to leave the products in place.
• Contact health-care provider immediately if you develop a fever a high fever with vomiting and diarrhea.
• Use the lowest absorbency tampon possible.

Individuals with TTS should not be excluded from work, school, or child care unless general exclusions apply. 

For additional information about TTS, 

contact North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health at 800.472.2180.

1.Kimberlin, D. W., Barnett, E. D., Lynfield, R., Sawyer, M. H. (2021) Red Book: 2021- Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st ed. American Academy of Pediatrics. [Management and Prevention of Infectious Diseases] [pages 122-133] 

2. John Hopkins. (2019, November 19) Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved June 2nd, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/toxic-sh…;

3. Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 23) Toxic shock syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 2nd , 2023, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/sym….

08/23/24