Is Toxic Shock Syndrome still a problem?

Question

I know Rely Tampons have been off the market for over 20 years, but I am wondering if toxic shock still exists, and if so, what causes it.

Answer 1

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but it is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. In rare cases, TSS has resulted from wounds or surgery incisions where bacteria have been able to enter the body and cause the infection.

The symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. If your child has these symptoms, it's important to call your child's doctor right away.
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Toxic Shock Syndrome Causes
Toxic shock syndrome is caused by toxins produced by bacteria. Only certain rare strains of specific bacteria produce these poisons. As the bacterial toxins are released into the bloodstream, they begin to overstimulate the immune system in the body. This, in turn, causes the severe symptoms of toxic shock syndrome.

In the most common form of toxic shock syndrome, the bacteria live in the vagina of women who are infected, and the bacterial growth is encouraged by the presence of a tampon. However, these toxins can be produced from bacteria in other locations in the body as well. Sometimes, the location of the infection is not clear.

Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome: Most cases of toxic shock syndrome are caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. The most well-known form of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome is associated with menstruating women using tampons. However, men, children, and nonmenstruating women can develop toxic shock syndrome as well. In fact, a third of all cases of toxic shock syndrome occur in men.


Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: Some cases of toxic shock syndrome are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the same bacterium that causes strep throat. S pyogenes often comes from a skin infection and causes a more serious form of toxic shock syndrome than S aureus.


Possible sources of infection


Vagina (superabsorbent tampon use)


Nose (nasal packing)


Surgical wound


Childbirth


Any skin wound, such as those from chickenpox

Answer 2

Yes it does... but it pales in comparison to cervical cancer and some of the other problems women have in their pelvic area.

Answer 3

Of course it still 'exists', just as dental cavities still 'exist'.

Answer 4

interesting info here:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/toxic_shock.html