Not medical advice. This site is general information only. In an emergency call your local emergency number. For advice about your own health, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified health professional.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
About Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome TSS became widely known in 1980 when an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus TSS affected young women using super absorbent tampons, particularly Rely tampons made by Procter and Gamble. Hundreds of cases, including dozens of deaths, were reported to the CDC in 1980. The ultra absorbent materials in Rely tampons created conditions favorable for S aureus growth and toxin production. Procter and Gamble voluntarily recalled Rely tampons in September 1980. TSS cases declined dramatically after the recall. Subsequent regulation required warning labels on tampon packages and standardized absorbency measurements. TSS can also occur from skin wounds and surgical sites, not just tampon use. Streptococcal TSS, caused by Group A Strep, was later recognized as a separate, often more severe condition. The TSS outbreak demonstrated how consumer products could create conditions for bacterial infection and the importance of post market surveillance. It also showed that rapid regulatory action could prevent ongoing harm.
Related Entries
Black Death 1347
The Black Death was a bubonic plague pandemic caused by Yersinia pestis that killed an estimated 75 to 200 million peopl...
Plague of Justinian 541
The Plague of Justinian was the first recorded pandemic of bubonic plague, beginning in 541 AD in the Byzantine Empire d...
Cholera Pandemics 1817
Seven cholera pandemics have occurred since 1817, killing millions. The first pandemic began in Jessore, India, in 1817 ...
Third Plague Pandemic
The Third Plague Pandemic began in Yunnan province, China, in 1855 and spread globally over decades, not ending until 19...