Toxic Shock Syndrome Suspected in Girl’s Death
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Friends and relatives of a 16-year-old girl who died of what appears to be toxic shock syndrome are working to raise awareness of the often overlooked bacterial disease.
Toxic shock syndrome sickened 814 women and killed 38 during the 1980s. It disappeared after a problematic tampon, Rely, was taken off the market. But some researchers say the syndrome could be making a comeback.
The Santa Clara County medical examiner said Kourtney Matthews, a junior at Milpitas High School, most likely died of the syndrome.
Officials said she died within 24 hours after being hospitalized last month with flu-like symptoms. Results of forensic tests are pending.
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