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Taiwan boy, 12, with high fever & calf swelling diagnosed with 'toxic shock syndrome' at hospital
Prior to his diagnosis, the boy's mother said he had been complaining of foot pain all morning.
February 10, 2026, 03:58 PM
A 12-year-old Taiwanese boy who visited the doctor with a high fever was rushed to the hospital after the doctor discovered redness, swelling and tenderness around his calf.
He was later diagnosed with "Toxic Shock Syndrome", ETtoday reported, adding that timely medical attention saved the boy's life from the highly fatal condition.
Unusual weakness
This case was reported by Luo, the director of a newly opened paediatric clinic, who treated the boy.
On Facebook, Luo recalled that the boy's parents brought him to the clinic for a consultation when he developed a high fever and became extremely weak after recovering from his initial cold and fever.
Though fever accompanied by general weakness can be easily diagnosed as the flu, Luo had a bad feeling after observing the child's "unusual weakness".
Newtalk News reported that when Luo asked the boy if there was anything else bothering him, his mother remembered that he had been complaining of foot pain all morning.
Swelling, tenderness
Upon pulling up the boy's trouser leg, Luo was shocked to find redness, swelling and tenderness in his calf, and several serious diagnoses crossed his mind.
He immediately decided against the rapid flu test, Newtalk News reported, adding that Luo firmly asked the boy's parents to bring him to National Taiwan University Hospital's emergency department.
Hospital, diagnosis
Following this, the boy was immediately given antibiotics upon arrival at the hospital, but was transferred to the intensive care unit for three days due to low blood pressure.
After his condition stabilised, he was transferred back to a normal ward and later diagnosed with "Toxic Shock Syndrome".
Dangers of toxic shock
Luo noted that "Toxic Shock Syndrome" often leads to serious complications and can even be life-threatening if not treated properly.
He added that it refers to systemic complications caused by bacteria.
This can then lead to low blood pressure, shock, respiratory distress, severe tissue necrosis, and even multiple organ failure, which can be fatal.
If the boy's condition had been treated as a common flu, the golden opportunity to administer antibiotics might have been missed, said Luo.
Top photos via ETtoday, Canva
