HEALTH: RETURN OF A SILENT KILLER

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By Newsweek Editors

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In 1980, toxic-shock syndrome killed dozens of women. Caused by the bacteria Staph Aureas, it was linked to overabsorbent tampons that created a breeding ground for germs. By 1984, thanks to an educational campaign by the federal government and changes in tampon design, it was nearly eradicated. Now TSS is on the rise again, according to a recent University of Minnesota study. While still rare, the incidence of TSS grew from 1 per 100,000 women in the late 1980s to 5 per 100,000 in 2004. Dr. Patrick Schlievert, author of the study, blames relaxed vigilance and the earlier onset of menstruation, which has increased use of tampons. Neither Schlievert nor the FDA, which regulates tampons as medical devices, believes tampon design is to blame. To prevent TSS, women should use the lowest-absorbency tampon needed, change tampons every four to eight hours and never use more than one at once. If you have symptoms, which begin with high fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and rash and can lead to organ failure, seek medical attention immediately.

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