Final answer:
The mortality rate following an outbreak of S. pyogenes that progresses to toxic shock can be as high as 70% (option C).
Step-by-step explanation:
The mortality rate following an outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes that progresses to toxic shock can be as high as 70% (option C). Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS), which is caused by S. pyogenes, has a more severe pathophysiology compared to staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS), resulting in a higher mortality rate. STSS is associated with a mortality rate of 20%-60% even with aggressive therapy.