Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) strikes suddenly, often mistaken for the flu—a tragic oversight in the case of 17-year-old Belgian teen Maëlle, who died on Thursday, January 9. Her mother, Laurence Hbore, told Sudinfo: "Maëlle returned from the gym Monday evening around 8 p.m., in great shape." That night, fever and vomiting began. A doctor initially diagnosed gastroenteritis. As pain intensified, she was hospitalized, then transferred to intensive care where TSS was confirmed—too late.
This rare condition sees about 20 cases yearly in France, with just 5% fatal when treated promptly.
Overly absorbent tampons can block menstrual flow, allowing Staphylococcus aureus—a bacteria some women carry—to multiply. Menstruation raises vaginal pH, making it less acidic and ideal for toxin-producing growth that triggers TSS.
Maëlle's mother posted on Facebook: "no...it doesn't only happen to others."
