Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. Suspicion and prevention are keys to control.

TSS is still very much with us and can mimic a variety of disorders. Early recognition of the various manifestations of this multisystem disease and careful inspection of possible sites of infection, removal of tampons, and debridement of surgical wounds, along with early aggressive supportive treatment and antibiotic therapy, are critical to prevent complications and ensure recovery. In menstrual TSS, prevention of subsequent relapses is achieved by patient education about proper use of tampons and recognition of early signs of the disease.