MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries Ep. 33 | Sunless Burn
May 21, 2024
A mysterious disease in Wisconsin causes young women to fall ill with a deadly rash, kidney, and lung failure. Doctors race to diagnose and treat the unknown illness, leading to the discovery of Toxic Shock Syndrome linked to specific tampon brands.
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Rose Harmon's Collapse
- In December 1979, Rose Harmon, an 18-year-old student, collapsed on a bus in Madison, Wisconsin.
- She experienced overheating, sweating, difficulty breathing, and a high fever, prompting hospitalization.
Rose's Deterioration
- Dr. Russell Chesney, a kidney specialist, found Rose unconscious with a sunburn-like rash and failing kidneys.
- He suspected a serious infection and started antibiotics, but her condition worsened.
X-Ray Findings
- Rose's chest x-ray revealed bleeding in her lungs, adding to the mystery of her illness.
- Her blood pressure rose, indicating a slight improvement, but the cause remained unknown.