It is a rare but very life-threatening condition mainly caused by the release of toxins from overgrowth bacteria which is known as staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria releases toxins producing different symptoms that, if not treated properly, can be deadly. It is very commonly associated with the use of tampons in women, but it also affects men and children if they have an infection in the skin, burns or after any surgery.
The symptoms may appear as any other symptoms due to a bacterial infection: high fever, nausea, alteration in the right function of different organs. This is why if you are experiencing any symptoms it is very important to contact your health care provider to have it treated as soon as possible. This illness can be avoided by washing your hands properly, having good hygiene, but for women who use tampons or menstrual cups is not leaving them for more than a couple of hours and to use less absorbent tampons to change them regularly.