toxic shock syndrome

noun

variants or less commonly toxic shock

: an acute disease that is characterized by fever, diarrhea, nausea, diffuse erythema, and shock, that is associated especially with the presence of a bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), and that occurs especially in menstruating females using tampons

Examples of toxic shock syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Symptoms include fever and a red rash. June 19, 2024 at 5:18 a.m. EDT Listen 4 min Comment Save A record number of cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in Japan this year has focused attention on the rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection. —Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 19 June 2024

As of June 2, Japan’s Health Ministry had recorded 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has a mortality rate of up to 30%. —Helen Regan, CNN, 17 June 2024

Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) reached 977 this year by June 2, higher than the record 941 cases reported for all of last year, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been tracking incidences of the disease since 1999. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 15 June 2024

The clinic adds that untreated cellulitis can lead to other complications as well, including bacteremia (when bacteria enters the bloodstream), toxic shock syndrome and more. —Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 8 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

toxic shock syndrome

noun

: an acute and sometimes fatal disease that is characterized by fever, nausea, diarrhea, diffuse erythema, and shock, that is associated especially with the presence of a bacterium of the genus Staphylococcus (S. aureus), and that occurs especially in menstruating females using tampons

called also toxic shock