5 Toxic Shock Syndrome Cases Reported: What Women Need to Know

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – Public health officials in Michigan have reported an uptick in Toxic Shock Syndrome cases in Oakland County elsewhere in the state.

In all, five cases of tampon-associated TSS have been reported, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement. The cases were all among young women. Besides Oakland County, they were reported in Kent County, mid-Michigan and northern Michigan.

The health department said the only commonalities between the cases involved product selection. Four of the five women were using super absorbency tampons,and four out of five were using the Playtex Sport brand. The fifth woman was using U tampons by Kotex.

The Food and Drug Administration of the product information, officials said.

During each of the past 10 years, fewer than four cases of TSS were reported in Michigan.

None of the cases reported in the past three months was fatal, the health department said. Nationally, about 4 percent of TSS cases are fatal.

TSS is a rare but serious clinical syndrome typically caused by bacterial infection due to Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Toxic shock progresses quickly. Its symptoms include: sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle aches, low blood pressure, rash, andshock with multi-organ dysfunction.

“Although Toxic Shock Syndrome cases are rare, this recent cluster is an important reminder to always review product safety information,” Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive with the MDHH, said in a statement.

Historically, tampon-associated TSS has been attributed to improper use, for example leaving a tampon in too long. You should never leave a tampon in longer than six to eight hours. Additionally, the risk of TSS is higher with higher absorbency tampons. The health department advises using the lowest absorbency needed.

Symptoms of TSS can feel like the flu. If you experience sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness or muscle aches, immediately discontinue tampon use and consult with your doctor, the health department advised.

MDHHS is working closely with the local health departments to monitor cases, provide clinical guidance, and coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A Michigan Health Alert Network notification was sent to health care providers to encourage enhanced surveillance, and collection of clinical specimens and product history during evaluation.

Providers are also encouraged to talk with patients about proper tampon usage and the risk of TSS.

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