Pennsylvania Running Totals

[niman]

Pennsylvania has 17 suspected cases and nearly 30 additional cases that are being investigated. Each of these cases have suffered serious lung injuries and have been hospitalized. No cases have been associated with medical marijuana bought at a Pennsylvania dispensary.

“Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is carefully regulated, with products going through extensive laboratory testing,” Dr. Levine said. “Pennsylvania has a safe, effective and high-quality program designed to help those suffering from any of the 23 serious medical conditions.”

Most of the lung injury cases are male, and the average age is mid-20s. Vaping e-cigarettes containing nicotine of any kind is extremely dangerous for those with developing brains due to nicotine in the products. Lung injury cases have also been seen in older adults. It is imperative that everyone is aware of the potential harm vaping can do to their health, now and in the future.

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=651

[niman]

09/12/2019

Department of Health Warns Against Vaping Illegally Obtained Products as Life-Threatening Illnesses Rise

Harrisburg, PA - As cases of e-cigarette-related lung injury have rapidly increased in Pennsylvania and nationwide, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine is warning all Pennsylvanians of the dangers of vaping, especially illicit drugs like recreational marijuana, especially using unregulated products purchased illegally.

“It is essential that people who use e-cigarettes heed this warning, as their life could be at-risk,” Dr. Levine said. “One of the largest concerns with vaping is that we do not know many of the chemicals and additives contained in the products. While we applaud the Food and Drug Administration’s moves to remove products with flavor additives from the market, initial findings in Pennsylvania and across the country indicate patients were vaping illicit products, primarily recreational marijuana or other unregulated products with THC.”

Pennsylvania has 17 suspected cases and nearly 30 additional cases that are being investigated. Each of these cases have suffered serious lung injuries and have been hospitalized. No cases have been associated with medical marijuana bought at a Pennsylvania dispensary.

“Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program is carefully regulated, with products going through extensive laboratory testing,” Dr. Levine said. “Pennsylvania has a safe, effective and high-quality program designed to help those suffering from any of the 23 serious medical conditions.”

Most of the lung injury cases are male, and the average age is mid-20s. Vaping e-cigarettes containing nicotine of any kind is extremely dangerous for those with developing brains due to nicotine in the products. Lung injury cases have also been seen in older adults. It is imperative that everyone is aware of the potential harm vaping can do to their health, now and in the future.

Signs and symptoms of a potential lung injury associated with vaping include:

• Cough;

• Shortness of breath;

• Chest pain;

• Nausea or vomiting;

• Diarrhea;

• Fatigue;

• Fever; or

• Weight loss.

Please see your health care provider if you or a loved one are showing signs or symptoms.

The department is continuing to work with the Poison Control Centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration as part of this widespread investigation.

Generally, e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. It is also important to remember that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless “water vapor.” It can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including: nicotine and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds; cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.

Additional information on e-cigarettes, the dangers of vaping, and how to quit smoking can be found on the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov or follow us on FacebookOpens In A New Window and TwitterOpens In A New Window.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle, 717-787-1783 or [email protected]

[niman]

Organization / Date Updated	Confirmed and Probable Cases	Cases Under Investigation	Deaths
ACHD  / October 3, 2019	9	8	0
CDC* / October 1, 2019	1080	-	18   https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Data-and-Reporting/Chronic-Disease-Epidemiology/Lung-Disease-Associated-with-Vaping.aspx

[niman]

Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed one death and multiple cases attributed to lung injuries associated with vaping in Pennsylvania and recommends that people do not vape.

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Health-Details.aspx?newsid=671

[niman]

10/04/2019

Department of Health Provides Update on Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping, Urges Caution and Awareness

Harrisburg, PA –Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health has confirmed one death and multiple cases attributed to lung injuries associated with vaping in Pennsylvania and recommends that people do not vape.

"The lung injury cases are very serious, life-threatening and even fatal," Dr. Levine said. "We do not yet know what is making people sick, and whether the illnesses are related to products being used, or potentially the delivery of those products. I strongly urge everyone who is vaping illegally bought products, in particular those with THC, to stop. In addition, there could be possible risks with legally purchased products. We want to warn people that investigations are ongoing and we advise they use extreme caution before using any vaping product at this time."

Pennsylvania has reported nine confirmed and 12 probable cases of the lung illness to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are investigating an additional 63 cases. Each of the individuals involved in the cases have suffered serious lung injuries and most have been hospitalized.

 ==

"Many medications carry risk and vaping medical marijuana products sold in our dispensaries carries risk in the same way that other medications do," Dr. Levine said. "If you are vaping, whether as part of the medical marijuana program or not, it is essential that you have an honest conversation with your physician about the potential risk for serious illness. For those who are part of the medical marijuana program and have concerns, we encourage you to talk to  your physician or the pharmacist at the dispensary.

Signs and symptoms of a potential lung injury associated with vaping include:

• Cough;
• Shortness of breath;
• Chest pain;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Diarrhea;
• Fatigue;
• Fever; or
• Weight loss. 
  
   

Please see your health care provider if you or a loved one are showing signs or symptoms.

 

The department is continuing to work with the Poison Control Centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration as part of this widespread investigation.

 

Generally, e-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. It is also important to remember that e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless "water vapor." It can contain harmful substances, including nicotine and ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs; flavoring such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds; cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals such as nickel, tin and lead.

 

Additional information on e-cigarettes, the dangers of vaping, and how to quit smoking can be found on the Department of Health's website at health.pa.gov or follow us on FacebookOpens In A New Window and TwitterOpens In A New Window.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:             Nate Wardle, 717-787-1783 or [email protected]  

[niman]

Pennsylvania has reported nine confirmed and 12 probable cases of the lung illness to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are investigating an additional 63 cases. Each of the individuals involved in the cases have suffered serious lung injuries and most have been hospitalized.

[niman]

Local teenager hospitalized due to vaping

by: Chelsey Withers

Posted: Sep 19, 2019 / 06:27 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 19, 2019 / 06:27 PM EDT

 

One local teenager is hospitalized after suffering lung damage due to vaping.

So far, there have been seven deaths in the country due to vaping.

Now, one local 19-year-old who recently graduated from Iroquois High School has spent the last four days in the intensive care unit.

Like most, Anthony Mayo had aspirations for his future. He had hopes of being in the military. However, he got into the habit of vaping, which has now left his future uncertain.

“He might have scarred lungs. He might not be able to join the military now. He might not be able to do this. We don’t know what is going to happen to him,” said Keith Mayo, Anthony’s father.

According to his parents, when they originally took him to the emergency room he was diagnosed with bronchitis.

“About a third of patients are having this sort of vaping induced Pneumonitis are getting sent home. Then, they come back five days later so much more sick,” said Anand Popuri, DO, Pulmonologist, LECOM.

Anthony’s father explained they returned to the hospital once his symptoms got worse. They then found out that Anthony’s left lung was 80 percent congested. His right lung was 50 percent congested and his oxygen level was 37. A pulmonary specialist came in, who told them he had seen dead people with a higher oxygen level.

“I was in denial myself. I would see different reports about somebody here getting sick or somebody there, and again it just didn’t seem like something that was really going to happen until we were here,” said Tanya Mayo, Anthony’s mother.

As stories like Anthony’s are starting to come out across the country, one local doctor further explained this is something they are still learning about as well.

“We do know that it may be some of the components of certain e-vaporized cigarettes, but we don’t know specifically what ingredients are causing it. So, I think its a bit of a scary time right now that we’re facing something that we just don’t know enough about,” said Pulmonologist Popuri.

It is unknown how long Anthony will remain in the ICU. For more information on e-cigarettes you can visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html.

https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/local-teenager-hospitalized-due-to-vaping/

 

Edited October 4, 2019 by niman

[niman]

Pennsylvania Reports 1st Vaping-Related Death Amid Lung-Illness Outbreak

Pennsylvania is investigating dozens of lung sickness cases that could be related to e-cigarette usage. One death has been confirmed.

By Dan Stamm

Published 2 hours ago | Updated 12 minutes ago

WHAT TO KNOW

• Vaping-related lung sickness has killed a person in Pennsylvania.

• The state has confirmed nine other lung illness cases and 12 probable cases to the CDC. An additional 63 cases are being investigated.

• "What we are seeing is truly a public health emergency," Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said.

Pennsylvania has announced its first vaping-related death as health officials urge people not to vape amid dozens of lung injury cases.

At a Friday news conference, Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine didn’t reveal specific details about the death outside of saying the person died in late September.

Health officials did, however, say the Keystone State has reported nine confirmed and 12 probable cases of vaping-related lung illness to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The health department is investigating an additional 63 cases. The first cases occurred in June.

"What we are seeing is truly a public health emergency," Levine said, while noting that there currently isn't a way to officially declare such an emergency.

• NJ Announces First Vaping-Related Death in State

Each person who became sick suffered serious lung injuries and many were hospitalized, the health department said. The average age of most of sickened people is in the low- to mid-20s across the state, Levine said.

“The lung injury cases are very serious, life-threatening and even fatal,” Levine said in a new release. “We do not yet know what is making people sick, and whether the illnesses are related to products being used, or potentially the delivery of those products.”

The message from health officials is to not use e-cigarettes, which contain an aerosol that is not harmless. Levine specifically called out THC vapes:

• Officials Report First Vaping-Related Death in Delaware

“I strongly urge everyone who is vaping illegally bought products, in particular those with THC, to stop,” Levine said. “In addition, there could be possible risks with legally purchased products. We want to warn people that investigations are ongoing and we advise they use extreme caution before using any vaping product at this time.”

Some of the signs and symptoms of potential lung injury includes chest pain, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, nausea, shortness of breath, vomiting and weight loss, health officials said.

Health officials urged anyone showing signs of lung illness to contact their health care provider.

• Investigators Focus on Rogue Vape Brand as Illness Spreads

Levine also had a message for people using vaping devices containing THC as part of the commonwealth's medical marijuana program:

"Many medications carry risk and vaping medical marijuana products sold in our dispensaries carries risk in the same way that other medications do," Levine said. "If you are vaping, whether as part of the medical marijuana program or not, it is essential that you have an honest conversation with your physician about the potential risk for serious illness."

Despite the outbreak of vaping-related illness, Levine said it still doesn't come close to the deadly impact of opioids in Pennsylvania.

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/health/Pennsylvania-Vaping-Death-E-Cigarettes-562180551.html

[niman]

Jim Deegan

 

@jim_deegan

·

23m

 

 

@BrittSween

has the exclusive on a potential 2nd Pa. vaping-related death being reported to

@CDCgov

by Reading Hospital. 6:30&11pm

@PBS39News

.

@EyesOnBerks

[niman]

PBS39 NEWS REPORTS

VAPING DEATH

Clip: Season 2019 | 3m 31s

VAPING DEATH: A Reading Hospital doctor who handled the case tells PBS39 that a patient died from vaping-related illnesses in Berks County over the summer. The doctor says that case is different than the one state officials announced Friday -- PA's first case. In making Friday's announcement, officials didn't disclose any other details, such as where or when it occurred. BRITTANY

Aired: 10/07/19

https://www.pbs.org/video/vaping-death-htri5u/

[niman]

Organization / Date Updated	Confirmed and Probable Cases	Cases Under Investigation	Deaths
ACHD  / October 10, 2019	12	6	0  https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Data-and-Reporting/Chronic-Disease-Epidemiology/Lung-Disease-Associated-with-Vaping.aspx

Edited October 17, 2019 by niman
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Data-and-Reporting/Chronic-Disease-Epidemiology/Lung-Disease-Associated-with-Vaping.aspx

[niman]

Organization / Date Updated	Confirmed and Probable Cases	Cases Under Investigation	Deaths
ACHD  / October 17, 2019	15	4	0
CDC* / October 15, 2019	1,479	-	33

 

https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Data-and-Reporting/Chronic-Disease-Epidemiology/Lung-Disease-Associated-with-Vaping.aspx

[niman]

Organization / Date Updated	Confirmed and Probable Cases	Cases Under Investigation	Deaths
ACHD  / November 14, 2019	19	2	0
CDC* / November 13, 2019	2,172	-	42

* Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Data-and-Reporting/Chronic-Disease-Epidemiology/Lung-Disease-Associated-with-Vaping.aspx