Public Health

CDC Investigating Cases of Vaping-Related Severe Pulmonary Disease

The CDC has begun investigating close to 100 cases of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping/use of e-cigarettes in both adolescent and adult individuals.

Read More...
CDC: 1 in 14 Women Vape During Pregnancy
Q&A: The Transition Between Vaping and Cigarettes in Teens

So far, 94 possible cases have been reported in 14 states from June 28, 2019 to August 15, 2019. Thirty cases have been reported in Wisconsin, with 15 cases confirmed and 15 still under investigation. The patients presented with cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue, with symptoms worsening over days or weeks before hospital admission. Some patients also experienced fever, chest pain, weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea. All patients reported vaping before hospitalization, and many reported use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing products. However, no single product has been identified linking the cases. CT imaging of the patients’ chests showed diffuse ground-glass opacities, often with sub-pleural sparing.

Twenty-four possible cases have been identified in Illinois, with 10 confirmed and 12 still under investigation. Two of the cases have been excluded.

Clinicians are urged to report any unexplained severe respiratory or pulmonary illness with history of vaping to the CDC, as well as the type and brand of vape used.

—Michael Potts

References:

  1. CDC, states investigating severe pulmonary disease among people who use e-cigarettes [press release]. August 17, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0817-pulmonary-disease-ecigarettes.html.
  2. CDC urges clinicians to report possible cases of unexplained vaping-associated pulmonary illness to their state/local health department. Posted August 14, 2019. Accessed August 19, 2019.  https://emergency.cdc.gov/newsletters/coca/081619.htm.