Warnings about tampons renewed

Press, 28 June 1989, Page 13

Warnings about tampons renewed

NZPA ' London Doctors are issuing warnings to women to strictly adhere to instructions on tampons after what is thought to be Britain’s first death from toxic shock syndrome. An inquest in Ormskirk, Lancashire, recorded a verdict of accidental death on Alison Fairhurst, aged 14, who developed toxic shock syndrome after leaving in a tampon for 48 hours. * Doctors are advising not to use the same tampon for more than six hours. A pathologist told the hearing that *Miss

Fairhurst had been poisoned by toxins produced by a unusually harmless bacterium called staphylococcus aueus. Toxic shock syndrome, with symptoms of fever, a sunburn-like rash, low blood pressure, gastro-in-testinal problems and malfuctioning of the body’s organs, became known after outbreaks in the United States several years ago. The syndrome is fatal in up to 10 per cent of cases. Tambrands, which makes Tampax, Britain’s best-known brand of tampon, has echoes doctors’ warnings to heed the guidelines on packets.