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Since June 2019, CDPH has received reports that 99 people in California who have a history of vaping were hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage, and two people have died. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/Pages/Vaping-Health-Advisory.aspx

As of September 24, 2019 at 5pm, 805* cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products have been reported to CDC from the following states and 1 U.S. territory: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, MS, NC, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY, and USVI. These numbers may change frequently. CDC has received complete sex and age data on 373 cases. Nearly three fourths (72%) of cases are male Two thirds (67%) of cases are 18 to 34 years old 16% of cases are under 18 years 38% of cases are in people 21 years or younger 17% are 35 years or older Twelve deaths have been confirmed in California (2), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas (2), Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oregon.

Mississippi Cases Last updated September 26, 2019. Outbreak Cases 4 Since September 17, 2019 Deaths 1 Age Range Under 18 years: 0 18–34 years: 4 35+ years: 0 Healthcare providers: Report suspected cases to MSDH at 601-576-7725 or 601-576-7400 after hours, weekends and holidays.

FOR RELEASE: September 26, 2019 MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Dukes Public Information Manager Office of Communications (405) 271-5601 [email protected] STAY CONNECTED! #HealthyOklahoma MEDIA QUESTIONS? Contact the Office of Communications (405) 271-5601 [email protected] Business Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Creating a State of Health www.health.ok.gov First Oklahoma Case of Vaping-Associated Lung Injury Confirmed The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has confirmed the first case in the state associated with a national occurrence of serious lung injuries related to e-cigarette and vaping product use. The patient is a Tulsa County resident under the age of 18. State health officials began the investigation in early September when they issued an advisory to health care providers requesting them to report any cases of severe pulmonary disease of unknown origin and a history of recent e-cigarette use. Since then, OSDH officials continue to review medical records, gather data and conduct patient interviews. “We are committed to working with our state and federal partners to learn everything we can about this investigation in order to prevent further injury and potential death,” said Commissioner of Health Gary Cox. “E-cigarettes are unregulated, and of great concern is the significant number of young people using the products. The public is advised to consider refraining from using all e-cigarette and vaping products while the investigation is ongoing.” Regardless of the investigation, health officials advise strongly against buying e-cigarette and vaping products off the street and modifying products or adding substances not intended by the manufacturer. At no time are e-cigarette or vaping products recommended for use by youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. There is no safe amount of nicotine exposure, and there is no e-cigarette product or vape device recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a cessation device. People who are using e-cigarette or vaping devices as a method for quitting tobacco are urged not to return to smoking cigarettes. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments including counseling and FDA-approved medications. Those who need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping products, should contact a health care provider or the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), e-cigarette or vaping products are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Using an e-cigarette or vapor product is commonly called vaping. Vaping can also refer to using an e-cigarette or vaping product to inhale many substances, including nicotine and THC or CBD oils. Preliminary data from the 2019 Oklahoma Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows a 70% increase from 2017 to 2019 in the current electronic vapor products (EVPs) use by Oklahoma high school students. In particular, the 2019 preliminary data shows that more than a quarter of high school students in Oklahoma currently use EVPs. Among Oklahoma adults, data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System shows that 1 in 12 adults in Oklahoma were current e-cigarette users. Oklahoma had the highest prevalence of current e-cigarette use among adults in the nation for two years in a row (2016-2017). Patients involved in the nationwide investigation have reported symptoms such as prolonged cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever and abdominal pain. Individuals who have a history of e-cigarette use or vaping in the last 90 days, and are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible. For more information visit, https://go.usa.gov/xVvFg.

First Oklahoma Case of Vaping-Associated Lung Injury Confirmed The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has confirmed the first case in the state associated with a national occurrence of serious lung injuries related to e-cigarette and vaping product use. The patient is a Tulsa County resident under the age of 18.

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports its first vaping-associated death. The death was in an individual under the age of 30. So far, Mississippi has four identified cases of serious lung injury related to vaping, all in individuals between 18 and 34 years of age. [MSDH’s age range reporting has been changed to match statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).] Mississippi is part of a national investigation into severe pulmonary disease or lung injury linked to the use of e-cigarette products (vaping). Nationwide, as of September 19, there have been 530 cases of lung illness reported from 38 states and one U.S. territory. Seven deaths have been reported from six states. “Any death related to vaping is one too many, and this is entirely preventable,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “We grieve with the family over this loss, and our hopes are that this helps emphasize how serious the dangers of vaping can be.” Byers said that many of the cases in the US report vaping cannabis products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), some have reported only vaping nicotine products. However, no specific product such as the device, liquid, refill pods or cartridge has been clearly identified as the cause of illness. Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs said that serious lung injury from vaping has become a national epidemic that healthcare partners across the country are trying to address. “I think we are just now starting to see some of the dangerous health outcomes of vaping,” said Dr. Dobbs. “There is still so much we don’t know. It’s uncharted territory.” Symptoms of severe vaping-related lung illness include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, fever and fatigue. Symptoms develop anywhere from over a few days of use to weeks of using e-cigarettes. Until an exact cause of the illness has been determined, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following actions: If you are concerned about the health risks, consider refraining from using e-cigarettes or vaping products. If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes. If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported above, see your healthcare provider. Additionally, Mississippians are urged to not buy products off the street containing THC or other cannabinoids. Do not modify or add substances to e-cigarette products that are not intended by the manufacturer. For more information on the dangers of e-cigarettes and vaping, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/lungillness. Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667 Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call 601-576-7400. STAY CONNECTED: Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Help This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Mississippi State Department of Health · 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive · Jackson, MS 39216

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports its first vaping-associated death. The death was in an individual under the age of 30. So far, Mississippi has four identified cases of serious lung injury related to vaping, all in individuals between 18 and 34 years of age. [MSDH’s age range reporting has been changed to match statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).]

Home » News » Public Health Officials Investigating Case of Vaping-Related Severe Lung Disease Public Health Officials Investigating Case of Vaping-Related Severe Lung Disease September 16, 2019 Wyoming’s first case of vaping-associated lung illness has been confirmed in a Uinta County resident, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). The young adult was hospitalized with severe lung disease. “Many states have already reported vaping-associated lung illness, including six deaths,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH. “The Wyoming individual reported vaping in the months leading up to illness.” “We will continue to work with local and federal officials to investigate and identify the specific substances or vaping products that are linked to this outbreak,” Harrist said. “It is important to follow current public health recommendations to avoid illness.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that people consider not vaping any substance while this investigation is ongoing. Those who do continue to vape should not buy products off the street, should not use products with THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids, and should not modify or add substances to these products. “If people who vape experience symptoms associated with severe lung disease, they should seek medical care right away” Harrist said. Symptoms include: Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Fatigue, fever or weight loss More information and frequently updated case counts can be found at: www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#recommendations-public For information about how you can help yourself or a loved one quit tobacco and/or vape products, visit quitwyo.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Public Health Officials Investigating Case of Vaping-Related Severe Lung Disease September 16, 2019 Wyoming’s first case of vaping-associated lung illness has been confirmed in a Uinta County resident, according to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). The young adult was hospitalized with severe lung disease. https://health.wyo.gov/public-health-officials-investigating-case-of-vaping-related-severe-lung-disease/

Severe Lung Illness Severe lung illness linked to use of vaping products in Washington State The Washington State Department of Health is closely monitoring an ongoing investigation headed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration regarding an outbreak of severe lung illness associated with using vaping products. While the CDC investigation is ongoing and has not identified a definitive cause, all reported cases have a history of using vaping devices. Vaping devices — also known as JUULs, e-cigarettes, e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, mods, tanks, or electronic nicotine delivery systems — can contain nicotine, marijuana, or other substances like flavoring agents and chemicals. If you continue to use vaping devices, you should monitor yourself for symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health. You should never buy vaping products with THC or other cannabinoids off the street, and you should not modify or add any substances to these products not intended by the manufacturer. The Department of Health reminds people the healthiest option is to not smoke or vape. Nicotine and marijuana can be harmful in any form. Anyone using tobacco or vaping products and attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. If you need help quitting tobacco or vaping products, contact your health care provider or access online resources to quit tobacco and/or marijuana. For more detailed information on the federal investigation, please refer to the CDC web page regarding the matter. Cases of severe lung illness linked to the use of vaping products by county: County Month Illness Occurred Count and Age Range King Aug 2019 1 (10-19 years old) King Sep 2019 1 (30-39 years old) Mason Sep 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Pierce Sep 2019 1 (40-49 years old) Snohomish Aug 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Spokane Aug 2019 1 (10-19 years old) Spokane Aug 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Last update: September 25

Cases of severe lung illness linked to the use of vaping products by county: County Month Illness Occurred Count and Age Range King Aug 2019 1 (10-19 years old) King Sep 2019 1 (30-39 years old) Mason Sep 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Pierce Sep 2019 1 (40-49 years old) Snohomish Aug 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Spokane Aug 2019 1 (10-19 years old) Spokane Aug 2019 1 (20-29 years old) Last update: September 25 https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/SevereLungIllness

Lung Disease Investigation New Updates – Monday, September 23, 2019 As of Monday, September 23, 2019, 47 cases of severe lung disease associated with vaping nicotine, THC, or both have been reported in Utah, with an additional 22 potential cases being investigated. Ninety percent of cases reported vaping THC, and 60 percent reported vaping nicotine. The Utah Department of Health recommends all Utah residents immediately stop vaping unregulated THC cartridges or “carts.” Unregulated vaping cartridges containing THC may contain chemicals or additives that are unknown and unsafe. The Utah Public Health Laboratory has tested 39 vape samples supplied by patients who have become ill. About half (51%) of the samples were collected from nicotine e-juices and about half (49%) were collected from THC cartridges. One hundred percent (100%) of the nicotine e-juices contained nicotine and none have shown unexpected compounds. Ninety percent (90%) of the THC cartridges contained Vitamin E acetate, a known cutting agent. It is still unknown whether Vitamin E acetate is the underlying cause of this outbreak. Similar cases have been reported in other states throughout the country, and officials in Utah are coordinating with the appropriate state and federal officials. What is Happening? Patients are experiencing symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Other symptoms included nausea and vomiting. Most patients (94%) have required hospitalization, with some requiring the assistance of ventilators to help them breathe. No specific substance or vaping product has been identified that is linked to all cases. While patients have improved with treatment, it is unknown whether they will experience long-term health effects. What are Public Health Officials and Doctors Doing? 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. 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. The Utah Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other state laboratories are testing samples for the presence of a broad range of chemicals, including nicotine, THC and other cannabinoids, along with cutting agents/diluents and other additives, pesticides, opioids, poisons, heavy metals, and toxins. Preliminary testing results from samples in Utah are consistent with those reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and samples tested by the FDA. There is not a consistent product or brand associated with these lung illnesses and many cases in Utah report using multiple vaping products in the weeks preceding illness onset. Utah public health workers are testing both products marketed as nicotine e-liquids and as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, a psychoactive component of the marijuana plant) cartridges. Several THC cartridge samples that were tested in Utah also contained Vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate is a substance present in topical consumer products or dietary supplements, but data are limited about its effects after inhalation. Health care providers who treat patients with unexpected, serious respiratory illness should ask about a history of recent vaping and are encouraged to report suspect cases to the UDOH or local health departments. What Should I Do? Until a cause of these illnesses has been determined, you should immediately stop vaping, especially unregulated THC cartridges (“carts”). While, vaping has been promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, the CDC says e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. If you’ve never smoked or used other tobacco products or e-cigarettes, you should not start. E-cigarettes are devices that deliver an aerosol to the user by heating a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. E-cigarettes can also be used to deliver marijuana or other substances. E-cigarettes are still a relatively new tobacco product, and additional research is needed to better understand the dangers and long-term risks of using them. If you do use vaping products, you should not buy these products off the street. Do not modify vaping products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. If you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your health care provider. If you experience any type of chest pain or difficulty breathing after vaping you should seek immediate medical attention and let your health care provider know of your past use of vaping products. Resources Information about e-cigarettes and vapes can be found on the UDOH website at https://thetobaccotalk.org/#products. 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.

As of Monday, September 23, 2019, 47 cases of severe lung disease associated with vaping nicotine, THC, or both have been reported in Utah, with an additional 22 potential cases being investigated. Ninety percent of cases reported vaping THC, and 60 percent reported vaping nicotine. https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation

SOUTH DAKOTA INFORMATION Clinicians should report suspected cases of vape-associated lung illness to the South Dakota Department of Health at 866-592-1861 or 605-773-3737. Current Confirmed Cases: 6* (Age range: 18–44 years) *As of September 19, 2019 (Case count updated every Thursday) How many people use e-cigarettes in South Dakota? 2.5% of middle school students currently use† e-cigarettes (from the 2017 Youth Tobacco Survey) 17.3% of high school students currently use† e-cigarettes (from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey) 4% of adults currently use† e-cigarettes (from the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey) † Current use is defined as using an e-cigarette product at least once in the past 30 days What can you do to reduce your risk? CDC recommends that individuals consider avoiding e-cigarette or vaping products until more is known about the current outbreak. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit are advised to consult with their doctor about which FDA-approved nicotine cessation product is right for them. For recent (past 90 days) users of e-cigarette or vaping products, monitor yourself for symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain) and see your medical provider if you become ill. For individuals using e-cigarettes or vaping products, do not buy products containing THC off the street, or purchase substances that have been modified in any way. Enroll in the SD QuitLine for free coaching and nicotine cessation products.

Current Confirmed Cases: 6* (Age range: 18–44 years)*As of September 19, 2019 (Case count updated every Thursday) https://doh.sd.gov/News/ecigarettes.aspx

The numbers are staggering. Nearly one in five high school students and almost 1 in 12 middle schoolers say they use electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, according to the 2018 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey. Vaping among Indiana youth has increased more than 350 percent since 2012. While the rates of tobacco use have declined, the surge of youth using e-cigarettes has gone up at such an alarming pace that the U.S. Surgeon General is calling it an epidemic that “demands action to protect the lives of young people.” Many people think e-cigarettes are harmless, and they are available in a variety of flavors that appeal to youth. The fact is that most e-cigarettes contain highly addictive nicotine, which isn’t safe for young people’s developing brains. One e-cigarette can contain the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. These devices may also include other harmful chemicals, and may make the young people who use them more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. Those are some of the reasons that Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health have launched a campaign to reduce vaping among Indiana’s youth. The plan was unveiled Aug. 29 at Fishers High School. The campaign has three areas of focus: • Increase awareness of the risks associated with e-cigarettes. The plan includes an educational toolkit with data, resources and more for schools, parents and students. • Help youth quit vaping with a youth-focused text-to-quit program • Boost public awareness of vaping statewide though a campaign to focus both on prevention and cessation As we prepare to roll out these efforts across the state, I urge you to visit vapefreeindiana.isdh.in.gov for more information on what you can do to protect youth from the dangers of vaping. You’ll find there a variety of resources, from the complete tobacco survey to local tobacco control coalitions, and from no-vaping signs to tips for talking to kids about e-cigarettes. I hope you’ll browse through the website and find things you can do in your community to reverse this dangerous trend. Within a week of the announcement of this campaign came the tragic news that a lung injury linked to vaping has taken the life of one of our fellow Hoosiers. This respiratory condition has impacted nearly 50 others in our state, and nationwide, nearly 400 cases have been reported in 36 states. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we still have more questions than answers. While the investigation continues into the cause of this condition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that everyone who uses e-cigarettes consider not vaping until we know more. The rise in vaping among our youth and the serious injury vaping may cause is not something we can ignore. Thank you for helping to raise awareness so that we can keep Hoosiers safe. Yours in health, Kris

a lung injury linked to vaping has taken the life of one of our fellow Hoosiers. This respiratory condition has impacted nearly 50 others in our state https://www.in.gov/isdh/files/Fall 2019.pdf

News & Events News and events related to tobacco. Severe Pulmonary Illness Linked to Vaping The Ohio Department of Health and local health departments are investigating reports of severe lung disease among people who reported recent vaping. Currently, there are no known links to a specific type of product. Vaping products contain many substances and may include nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), synthetic cannabinoids, or a combination of these. Anyone who thinks that they may be experiencing serious breathing problems linked to vaping should seek immediate medical attention. If you are a healthcare provider and wish to report a possible case, please contact your local health department. To locate a local health department, please visit https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/lhdinformationsystem/Directory/GetMyLHD Information about resources to help people quit smoking and vaping are available on the cessation page of the ODH website, including the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW). For federal recommendations, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/s0821-cdc-fda-states-e-cigarettes.html Ohio Vaping Investigation Update (Information will be updated each Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 p.m.) Information updated as of 2:00 pm September 24, 2019 Number of cases: 20 Age range: 16-59 years (median age: 21 years) Gender: 7 Female, 13 Male (65% Male) Number of hospitalizations: 20 Number of deaths: 0 Counties: Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin (4), Hamilton (2), Jefferson, Lucas, Montgomery, Portage, Richland (2), Summit (3), Union (2), Wayne Additional illness reports under investigation: 21

(Information will be updated each Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 p.m.) Information updated as of 2:00 pm September 24, 2019 Number of cases: 20 Age range: 16-59 years (median age: 21 years) Gender: 7 Female, 13 Male (65% Male) Number of hospitalizations: 20 Number of deaths: 0 Counties: Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin (4), Hamilton (2), Jefferson, Lucas, Montgomery, Portage, Richland (2), Summit (3), Union (2), Wayne Additional illness reports under investigation: 21 https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/tobacco-use-prevention-and-cessation/news-and-events/

NEWS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 18, 2019 North Dakota up to seven confirmed or probable cases of vaping-related illnesses BISMARCK, N.D. – North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced Wednesday that the state has one confirmed case of severe vaping-related lung illness and six probable cases that are under investigation. All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping. “As the department receives reports, we will continue to gather and analyze the data to help identify the potential cause or causes of these illnesses,” said Kodi Pinks, NDDoH epidemiologist. “We are working closely with the CDC as this illness continues to be investigated. We will continue to provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. “ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36 states and 1 U.S. territory have reported more than 380 potential cases of severe respiratory illness associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products among teenagers and adults. Seven deaths have been reported from six states. No consistent e-cigarette or vaping product, substance, or additive has been identified in all cases, nor has any one product or substance been conclusively linked to severe respiratory illness in patients. The NDDoH is asking health care providers to continue to watch for cases of severe respiratory illness and ask about recent vaping and e-cigarette use. Individuals experiencing symptoms and have a history of e-cigarette use or vaping should call the reporting hotline at 866-207-2880 or visit ndhealth.gov to take the confidential survey. # # # ________________________________________________________________________________ For more information, contact: Kodi Pinks, Program Manager/Epidemiologist Assistant Director, Office of the State Epidemiologist 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301 | Bismarck, ND 58505-0200 PHONE: 701-328-4832 | EMAIL: [email protected] www.ndhealth.gov

– North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced Wednesday that the state has one confirmed case of severe vaping-related lung illness and six probable cases that are under investigation. All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping. https://www.health.nd.gov/media/2344/2019-09-18-north-dakota-vaping-illness-patient-update.pdf

New Mexico Department of Health Reports Eight Cases of Severe Lung Disease Associated with Vaping of THC Products August 29, 2019 - Injury Prevention - Awareness New Mexico Department of Health Reports Eight Cases of Severe Lung Disease Associated with Vaping of THC Products The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the number of cases it’s investigating of severe lung disease associated with vaping and e-cigarette use in the state has risen to eight. All eight New Mexico residents have required hospitalization following the development of respiratory symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing. Five of them required intensive care during their hospitalizations. The patients range from 17 to 46 years of age and reside in three counties (Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Bernalillo). Five of the eight patients are male. All of patients who have been interviewed regarding vaping behavior reported the use of vape cartridges containing Tetra hydro cannabinol (THC) oil. Over 200 people across the United States, including one who has died, have been identified with severe breathing problems after vaping with symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. NMDOH, other states and CDC continue to investigate possible causes of these illnesses. Patients have reported vaping or dabbing (vaping marijuana oils, extracts, or concentrates) in the weeks and months prior to hospital admission. The products and devices used are being investigated and could contain several substances, including nicotine, THC, synthetic cannabinoids, or a combination of these. All patients interviewed by NMDOH have reported vaping THC products that were acquired via a secondhand source in the weeks and months prior to illness. “Because of the association of this very severe new disease with vaping THC, we are advising New Mexicans not to use these products out of an abundance of caution,” said NMDOH Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel. “Our department is continuing to work with other state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate this new disease.” People with trouble breathing or experiencing chest pain after vaping - in the weeks or months prior to the development of these symptoms - should seek immediate medical attention. The NMDOH is asking health care providers to report possible vaping associated lung disease cases to the Epidemiology & Response Division at 505-827-0006. Media Contact We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions. Versión en Español En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción. Departamento de Salud de Nuevo México Reporta Ocho Casos de Enfermedades Graves Pulmonares Asociadas con Vapeo de Productos THC

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the number of cases it’s investigating of severe lung disease associated with vaping and e-cigarette use in the state has risen to eight. All eight New Mexico residents have required hospitalization following the development of respiratory symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing. Five of them required intensive care during their hospitalizations. The patients range from 17 to 46 years of age and reside in three counties (Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Bernalillo). Five of the eight patients are male. All of patients who have been interviewed regarding vaping behavior reported the use of vape cartridges containing Tetra hydro cannabinol (THC) oil. https://nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2019/8/?view=790

NEW Outbreak of Severe Lung Disease Associated with Vaping As of 9/25/2019, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has identified 15 (10 confirmed and five probable) cases of severe lung disease associated with vaping. The department is investigating an additional 14 possible cases that have been reported by health care providers. Providers are requested to report patients with severe lung disease of uncertain etiology and a history of vaping within 90 days of illness to public health. Instructions for reporting are on the Severe Pulmonary Disease Associated with E-Cigarette/Vaping Use Reporting Form. CDC is posting information about the outbreak nationwide on their website. It includes information for clinicians, public health, and the general public. The website can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html On September 11, MDHHS sent a HAN to providers and local health departments with an update on the outbreak and instructions for reporting cases.