Vaping hospitalizations reported in several states
By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
Health officials in several states have reported severe acute pulmonary disease cases requiring hospitalization that is linked to vaping.
Image by Lindsay Fox from Pixabay
In Wisconsin, the state Department of Health has investigated people with severe lung disease who all reported recent vaping or dabbing (which is vaping marijuana oils, extracts, or concentrates).
To date, there are 12 confirmed cases and 13 other cases under further investigation. Counties with confirmed cases include Dodge, Door, Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Waukesha, and Winnebago.
“We are continuing to interview patients so we can identify a possible cause,” said Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “All patients reported vaping prior to their hospitalization, but we don’t know all the products they used at this time. The products used could include a number of substances, including nicotine, THC, synthetic cannabinoids, or a combination of these.”
Illinois health officials has received reports of six young people experiencing severe breathing problems after vaping, and is investigating five more individuals.
“The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is working with local health departments and hospitals to investigate reported cases of hospitalized individuals with unexplained respiratory illness and a history of vaping,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “The short- and long-term effects of vaping are still being researched, but these recent hospitalizations have shown that there is the potential for immediate health consequences.”
In California, at least 7 cases of severe acute pulmonary disease in previously healthy adults were reported from a Kings County hospital since June. The Kings County Health Department is currently investigating the cause of these illnesses. All patients reported vaping in the weeks prior to hospital admission, and a reported common exposure between these patients is that they have been vaping cannabis or CBD oils.
Patients in cases from each state experienced respiratory symptoms of varying severity including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some also experienced vomiting and diarrhea. Progressive respiratory distress, sometimes initially diagnosed with pneumonia or bronchitis was reported in some cases. Symptoms worsened over a period of days or weeks before admission to the hospital.
Health care providers caring for patients with unexpected serious respiratory illness should ask about a history of vaping.
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