On the night of March 14, 2017, 16-year-old Sara Manitoski complained to her school camp mates that she was feeling unwell and suffering from menstrual cramps.
She was away on a school-run overnight trip.
The next day, after coming back from breakfast, her friends found Sara still in bed, her body unresponsive as her alarm continued to ring.
The students then alerted their teachers who called the paramedics and attempted CPR, but the student from British Columbia, Canada, was not able to be resuscitated.
Now, the British Columbian Coroners Service has confirmed that the teenager died from toxic shock syndrome (TSS) – a potentially fatal, but rare bacteria infection commonly associated with tampon usage.
Documenting the teenager’s last moments, the Vancouver Sun reported that despite not feeling well the day before her death, Sara continued to participate in the activities at the Outdoor Education Centre and was present at a bonfire activity before going to sleep at 9:50 pm.
During the coroner’s investigation, it was reported that Sara was heard “breathing rapidly and shallowly in the middle of the night for a short period of time” and the autopsy documented increased redness on the teenager’s neck, upper arms, upper chest, lower abdomen and thighs – symptoms consistent with the infection.
Microbiology cultures on a tampon found “in place” also contained the bacteria ‘staphylococcus aureus’ which is often the cause of TSS. Despite this, the coroner’s report specified that “the risk for toxic shock syndrome is increased with tampon use, however, tampon use is not the sole cause.”
According to Health Direct, there is no evidence that tampons cause TSS – it is instead caused by bacteria.
While medical treatment through antibiotics is normally successful if caught early, early identification is paramount and Health Direct lists the symptoms as diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, vomiting, aching muscles, headaches, red eyes, mouth and throat and a peeling red rash found on the hands and feet.
Top Comments
Your article says "according the Health Direct, there is no evidence that tampons cause TSS - instead it's caused by bacteria. This is NOT correct as the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can live quite harmlessly in the vagina. However it's the introduction of the tampon that starts the reaction between the bacteria and the RAYON in the tampon. All main brands of tampons contain a mixture of rayon (a highly absorbent material) and cotton (not so absorbent) There has never been a case of TSS with an ALL-COTTON tampon.
I didn't know that peter - thanks for the heads up re. cotton tampons.
Deepest sympathy to Sara's family and friends. The symptoms of TSS are confusing depending on which source you choose. It's important to know that not all the symptoms occur (as in Sara's case), they don't appear in any set order and may not persist.The first symptoms are usually flu-like - headache, sore throat, muscle aches, high temperature. Then they could be like food poisoning, i.e. vomiting and diarrhea (uncontrollable, watery and very smelly). A red rash like sunburn may appear on upper chest, abdomen and/or thighs, (not on palms and soles as this has been confused with peeling of palms and soles 2 WEEKS after symptoms begin). Redness may be seen inside the eyelids, and the tongue (which can resemble a strawberry). Dizziness and confusion (confusion means doing or saying something STRANGE). A medic will detect Very low blood pressure. If you have any of these symptoms whilst using a tampon,remove (and save) the tampon and seek immediate medical help.