Smileband health topics

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) can be caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include:

• confusion
• diarrhea
• headaches
• high fever
• low blood pressure
• muscle aches
• nausea
• vomiting
• organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)
• redness of eyes and mouth
• seizures
• widespread rash

 

In Arizona there are usually 1 to 5 cases reported a year.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 1 case

 

Transmission

Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can be transmitted person to person, but toxic shock syndrome cannot be transmitted person to person.

 

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

Test*	Specimen
Culture	Serum

  Isolation Precautions

TSS cannot be transmitted person to person.

Prevention for Patients
Risk factors include:

• recent childbirth
• infection with Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria
• foreign bodies or packing inside the body
• menstrual period
• recent surgery
• tampon use
• wound infection after surgery

Public Health Actions
Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case.