Five cases of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (CTS) linked to the use of periodic tampons, were reported twice in Pays de la Loire, between 2013 and in 2016: 2 cases in 2013 and 3 cases in 2016, including twin sisters. These cases are not recent but have just been reported by Public Health France in its Weekly epidemiological bulletin.
The risk of developing a menstrual CTS is most often associated with improper use of tampons periodicals. In the 5 cases which interested the researchers, the tampon was worn at night (ie a duration of use greater than eight hours) for 4 cases and used before the expected date of the rules for one case.
There are about twenty cases per year
A disease little known to the general public, toxic shock syndrome has been talked about since a model almost lost her life and eventually had to be amputated due to a CTS. In France, toxic shock surveillance is carried out by the National Reference Center (CNR) for staphylococci in Lyon, which collects data on cases and analyzes strains of staphylococcus transmitted by clinicians or biologists for diagnostic and epidemiological purposes. . The CNR lists an average of twenty cases per year.
Recommendations to follow:
The health authorities point out that the recommendations contained in the instructions for use of tampons must be respected:
• Tampons should only be used during menstruation and changed regularly.
• The absorbance of tampons should be adapted to the flow of menstruation.
• It is important to wash your hands before inserting and changing the tampon.
Read also :
Toxic shock syndrome: the composition of the tampons is not involved
Unusual: a connected tampon to detect diseases
