Toxic shock syndrome is old as time, but became famous when ob tampons caused it in woman and the result were many deaths. Its a rare bacterial infection basically. The very serious type, surprisingly its the same type bacteria found in 'boils'/abscesses. Of the skin and gums. That's why an abscessed tooth can be very dangerous when untreated, its so close to the brain and main arteries, the infection can ****. It can of course be caused by many different things though.
Add on: Sorry I didn't know you were posting Artimus. I'm rushing to much I guess.