What is toxic shock syndrome?

TSS: High fever, vomiting, diarrhea, mental changes and rash, often on extremities and face. This progresses to shock and may be fatal, it is generally due to toxin production by either staph or strep. There were a series of cases associated with tampon use in the 1980's which rapidly tapered off with changes in the make-up of the vaginal inserts. Not a very common syndrome, but quite severe.