3-1-23 wisconsin dhs continues to monitor toxic shock syndrome cases

The state Department of Health Services continues to monitor an increaase in toxic shock syndrome cases.  Since last July the Department has received five reports of toxic shock syndrome, with four cases associated with super absorbency tampon use by teenage girls.  Fond du Lac County Public Health Officer Kim Mueller says  its  important for those who use tampons to use the lowest absorbency, change their tampon every 4-6 hours, and avoid using tampons overnight.  Toxic shock syndrome can progress rapidly leading to complications such as shock, organ failure, and death.   Before these latest cases the last confirmed TSS case in the state was in 2011.   The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) start suddenly and get worse quickly. They include:

• a high temperature
• flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, feeling cold, feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, a sore throat and a cough
• feeling and being sick
• diarrhoea
• a widespread sunburn-like rash
• lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning a bright red
• dizziness or fainting
• difficulty breathing
• confusion