The number of Iowans affected by severe respiratory illness associated with vaping has increased to 49. In a report released Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says the majority of the cases seen within the state and nationally report vaping THC products. While the cause of the outbreak has not been confirmed, vitamin E acetate has been identified as a compound of concern for patients. The IDPH is continuing to work with clinical and public health partners to investigate reported cases. According to state health officials, “Iowans should not use vaping and e-cigarette products, since the cause of this outbreak is not yet clear and the long-term health impacts of these products are unknown.” Anybody who has vaped recently and is experiencing trouble breathing is encouraged to seek medical care. As of Nov. 20, 2,290 cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated with lung injury (EVALI) have been reported in 49 U.S. States, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, resulting in 47 total deaths. For more information, follow the link included with this story on our website.
______
http://www.idph.iowa.gov/ehi/lung-disease-vaping
