UTAH, Sept. 3, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah public health officials are investigating after 28 reported cases of lung disease in individuals after recent vaping.
On Tuesday, the Utah Department of Health released a statement:
“Public health agencies and health care providers in Utah are investigating several cases of severe lung disease in people who vape nicotine or THC products. As of Sept. 3, 28 cases associated with vaping nicotine, THC, or both have been reported in Utah, with an additional 14 potential cases being investigated.”
These cases are similar to cases reported nationally, in states such as Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota, the news release said. Officials in Utah are coordinating with the appropriate state and federal officials.
“Patients are experiencing symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue,” the statement said. “Other symptoms included nausea and vomiting. Most patients have required hospitalization, with some requiring the assistance of ventilators to help them breathe.”
Almost all cases report a recent history of vaping either nicotine or THC products, or a combination of both, the statement said. No specific substance or e-cigarette product has been identified that is linked to all cases.
Although patients have improved with treatment, it is unknown whether they will experience long-term health effects, officials said.
Public health agencies and health care providers throughout the state are working to determine the cause of these severe illnesses.
“Public health workers are interviewing patients to obtain a history of their vaping habits, including the types of products they’ve been using and how frequently they use them,” the statement said. “They are also collecting product samples from patients and are coordinating with state and federal partners to test these products to determine if they contain harmful substances that may contribute to severe lung illness.”
On Aug. 19, the Department of Health announced it was investigating the recent hospitalizations of five people who experienced serious breathing problems and reported recent vaping or other inhalational drugs, and that number has since burgeoned.
Information about e-cigarettes and vapes can be found on the UDOH website here. For information about how you can help yourself or a loved one quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes, please visit waytoquit.org, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
