TSS usually begins with a sudden high fever, severe diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, weakness, and a rash that looks like sunburn. Sometimes these symptoms lead rapidly to shock.
Shock occurs when the blood pressure drops very quickly, and shock can be fatal.
TSS is caused by a poison or toxin produced by a kind of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus. Tampons play a role in causing the infection. Most of the women who have developed TSS used tampons. Tampons made out of synthetic 3super absorbent2 fibers were introduced on the market about the same time that TSS started showing up in large numbers. These tampons may cause tiny tears in the vaginal wall through which bacteria can enter.