Toxic Shock Death Of Rumson Teen Prompts Curriculum Bill

RUMSON, NJ — More young people can learn about the seriousness of menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome under a bill making its way through the New Jersey State Senate.

Legislation requiring school districts to add age-appropriate instruction on menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS) was approved Thursday by the Senate Education Committee. The bill is sponsored by state Senators Declan O’Scanlon and Kristin Corrado.

“Toxic shock syndrome is a serious, potentially fatal, infection that can spread rapidly," O'Scanlon (R-District 13) said.

"This legislation was inspired by one of my residents, Madalyn Massabni, who we lost far too young due to mTSS," he said.

The bill will raise awareness for this "rarely talked about, but nonetheless, serious condition by incorporating basic knowledge of mTSS into our school curriculum,” he said.

“By doing this, students can learn about ways to prevent toxic shock and how to spot the signs and symptoms if the infection has already started,” he added.

The legislation, S-636, requires school districts to incorporate age-appropriate instruction in grades four through 12 on menstrual toxic shock syndrome and requires installation of signage in certain women’s rooms to enhance public awareness.

Anyone can contract toxic shock syndrome, but women using tampons and similar devices are more susceptible to menstrual toxic shock. The signage in restrooms would alert women to the warning signs, causes, and dangers of mTSS, the legislation says.

Early symptoms may include a low fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. As the infection progresses, symptoms may include a high fever, redness of the eyes, lips and tongue, low blood pressure, and mental confusion. Toxic shock syndrome is generally treated with antibiotics.

“The Legislature has a responsibility to safeguard every human life,” added Sen. Corrado (R-40).

“This bill will allow New Jersey to take a more proactive approach in combating toxic shock, which will ultimately help save lives. Most cases of TSS are preventable if people can recognize the signs and symptoms early. This legislation will help provide as much outreach and education on the topic as possible.”

Madalyn “Maddy” Massabni, died on March 30, 2017 just days after contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome, O'Scanlon said. She was a 2016 graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and was just beginning her academic career at Lynn University in Florida.

Following Maddy's death in 2017, her mother, Dawn Massabni, founded the Maddy Massabni Foundation for Toxic Shock Awareness, which is based in Rumson and works to raise awareness of menstrual toxic shock syndrome (mTSS), according to a previous Patch article.

“I never in my worst nightmares imagined losing my daughter, especially to something so preventable. Something, that if it had been taken care of decades ago by our healthcare, educational, and governmental agencies, Maddy, along with many others, would be here with us today, living out their hopes and dreams,” Massabni said on the site.

Massabni and her son George have since dedicated their lives to spreading awareness and creating impactful, legislative change around menstrual toxic shock awareness education in New Jersey, the site says.

Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome often results from toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria, but the condition may also be caused by toxins produced by group A streptococcus (strep) bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of mTSS progress quickly and often include a sudden high fever, a rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles, seizures and vomiting.