ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION No. 57

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 5, 2026

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Assembly Joint Resolution No. 57.

      This joint resolution designates March 30th of each year as “Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey. 

      Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome (MTSS) is a preventable illness commonly caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium bacterial infection.  MTSS  affects over 17 in 100,000 women between the ages of 13 and 25 annually, which marks little progress since the 1980s in reducing the number of MTSS cases.

      Risk factors for MTSS include the use of highly absorbent tampons, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges, the presence of surgical wounds or untreated infections, or a history of recent childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.  Symptoms of MTSS include:  headache; muscle ache; sore throat; cough; weakness; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; chills; fever; lightheadedness; dizziness; faint upon standing; confusion; disorientation; low blood pressure; increased heart rate; seizures; rash; redness of eyes, lips, and tongue; dysfunction of the digestive and circulatory systems; and the shedding of skin around the hands and feet.

      In extreme cases, MTSS can result in organ damage, the loss of limbs, or death.  Increased awareness of MTSS can help the citizens of the State of New Jersey identify and avoid suffering from this easily preventable illness.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.