Montana Running Totals

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RiverStone Health and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have identified the first confirmed case of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping in connection with the ongoing national investigation.

The confirmed case is a Yellowstone County resident in their 30s with a history of vaping nicotine and THC. This individual was hospitalized in August, and is now home recovering.

https://dphhs.mt.gov/aboutus/news/2019/pulmonarydiseaseconfirmed

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 20, 2019
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757,  [email protected]
                 Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391, (406) 461-8367, [email protected]
                  Barbara Schneeman, RiverStone Health, Vice President, Communication and Public Affairs, (406) 651-6420
                  [email protected]

Health officials confirm first Montana case of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping

RiverStone Health and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have identified the first confirmed case of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping in connection with the ongoing national investigation.

The confirmed case is a Yellowstone County resident in their 30s with a history of vaping nicotine and THC. This individual was hospitalized in August, and is now home recovering.

Eight deaths associated with severe pulmonary illness have occurred. As of September 17, 2019, there were 530 confirmed and probable cases of lung disease associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, reported by 38 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two thirds (67%) of cases in this investigation are people 18 to 34 years old, and 16% are younger than 18 years old.

Montana’s first confirmed case adds to the growing number of cases in this national investigation.

“This is deeply concerning, especially given the rapid increase in young people using e-cigarettes,” said Governor Steve Bullock. “Montana is supporting the national investigation to determine what is making people sick, while also looking at options on how we can take action without waiting on Washington.”

State Medical Officer Dr. Greg Holzman said DPHHS is working directly with local health officials on the investigation and is urging state residents to take into account the current situation both in Montana and in other states and respond accordingly. “I urge Montanans to refrain from using e-cigarettes, considering the existing unknown health consequences,” Holzman said. “If you’re having difficulties quitting these highly addictive nicotine products contact your healthcare provider or the Montana Tobacco Quit Line.”

The CDC reports that products used could include a number of substances, including THC, CBD, nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.

John Felton, President/CEO of RiverStone Health and Yellowstone County’s health officer, thanked the individual associated with the first confirmed case for providing valuable information about their illness. “In order to solve what is causing these illnesses, it’s imperative that people impacted cooperate with the investigation so that accurate information can be gathered,” he said. “These investigative efforts are happening around the country, and we appreciate those in Montana who are assisting.”

Regardless of the ongoing investigation, health officials state that e-cigarette products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.

DPHHS states that adding to the concern is the high rate of e-cigarette use among youth. In Montana, e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among high school students. The 2019 Montana Youth Risk Behavior Survey showed nearly a third (30%) of Montana high school students currently use e-cigarettes and more than half (58%) have tried them.

CDC states that all patients reported using e-cigarette products in the weeks and months prior to becoming ill. To date, no single substance, e-cigarette product, or additive has been consistently associated with the illness.

Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks and do not appear to be caused by a pulmonary infection. Anyone who vapes and is experiencing respiratory issues should promptly consult their provider. Healthcare providers treating patients with respiratory illness with no apparent infectious cause and who have a history of e-cigarette use are asked to notify their local health department.

Current recommendations for the public include:

• Until more information is known, CDC and DPHHS are advising people not to use any type of e-cigarette product.
• Anyone who uses e-cigarette products and is experiencing respiratory issues should promptly consult their provider. If it is a medical emergency call 9-1-1 or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
• Anyone who uses e-cigarette products should not buy them off the street and should not modify these products or add any substances that are not intended by the manufacturer.
• Current tobacco users, including e-cigarette users, trying to quit should use evidence-based strategies, which include counseling, FDA-approved medications, and calling the Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
• Youth (anyone under the age of 18) who need help quitting tobacco, including e-cigarettes, can text “Start my Quit” to 1-855-891-9989 or visit mylifemyquit.com.
• Anyone experiencing unexpected health or product issues related to tobacco or e-cigarettes should submit this information via FDA’s online Safety Reporting Portal.

More information about the investigation is available on the DPHHS website at dphhs.mt.gov.

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At this time, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has one confirmed case in Montana.  

https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/mtupp/vapingpulmonarydisease

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State health officials have identified Montana's first death associated with the national outbreak of e-cigarette use, or vaping.

Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials say the case involves an individual in their late teens with a history of vaping.

Officials have been investigating and officially identified this as a case on Oct. 15, according to a news release.

No further information about the individual is being released at this time due to confidentiality.

https://www.kpax.com/news/montana-news/state-health-officials-report-first-montana-death-of-severe-pulmonary-disease-associated-with-vaping

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 16, 2019
Contact: Jon Ebelt, Public Information Officer, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, [email protected]
                Chuck Council, Communications Specialist, DPHHS, (406) 444-4391, (406) 461-8367, [email protected]

Health officials identify first Montana death of severe pulmonary disease associated with vaping

Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials have identified the state’s first death associated with the national outbreak of e-cigarette use, or vaping.

DPHHS officials say the case involves an individual in their late teens with a history of vaping. State and local health officials have been investigating and officially identified this as a case on October 15. No further information about the individual is being released at this time due to confidentiality.

“My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family who has lost a loved one way too soon,” Governor Steve Bullock said. “This tragedy truly hits home. I urge Montanans to take the recommendations being issued by public health officials very seriously until more is known about this public health crisis.”

DPHHS continues to work closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local public health as this ongoing national investigation continues.

In Montana, there have been three identified cases of vaping-associated pulmonary illness, including one death. DPHHS is currently reviewing additional cases as part of the national investigation. CDC on October 10, 2019 reported 1,299 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and one U.S. territory. The CDC also reported 26 deaths in 21 states last week. These numbers will be updated again on Thursday.

In addition, last week Governor Bullock directed DPHHS to enact emergency rules to temporarily ban flavored e-cigarette products. The rules will be effective on October 22. Fruit and candy-flavored products are marketed to youth in epidemic proportions and the ban seeks to keep the addictive products out of kids’ hands as the CDC continues to investigate the cause of the national outbreak of vaping associated pulmonary illness. Reported cases have included the use of nicotine and THC products.

DPHHS State Medical Officer Dr. Greg Holzman said much is still unknown about what is causing these vaping-associated illnesses and deaths. DPHHS continues to reiterate the same message. “During this time, we highly recommend that people refrain from any vaping products,” Holzman said.

The CDC continues to post new information and recommendations about the outbreak on its website.  

The CDC and FDA have not identified the cause or causes of the lung injuries in these cases, and the only commonality among all cases is that patients report the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. This outbreak might have more than one cause, and many different substances and product sources are still under investigation. The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time. 

DPHHS State Epidemiologist Laura Williamson thanks all those who are cooperating with the investigations that are occurring around the state. Specifically, she said it’s crucial that those who have been identified as having symptoms to save any leftover product so it can be tested. “The assistance of the public is so important as we work to understand what is happening in order to prevent future illnesses,” Williamson said.

As part of this information-collecting effort, DPHHS will add vaping associated pulmonary illness to the list of reportable diseases and conditions to aid in the epidemiological investigation of the outbreak.

Those involved in the outbreak report symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are also common. Symptoms worsen over a period of days or weeks and do not appear to be caused by a pulmonary infection. Anyone who vapes and is experiencing respiratory issues should promptly consult their provider. Healthcare providers treating patients with respiratory illness with no apparent infectious cause and who have a history of e-cigarette use are asked to notify their local health department.

Regardless of the ongoing investigation, health officials state that e-cigarette products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. 

Holzman said almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is very addictive. There are many services that are available to help Montanans quit. He urges Montanans to talk to their healthcare provider about help that is available.

For all Montanans, there is the Montana Tobacco Quit Line. This service is for all types of tobacco, including smokeless, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes. The benefits include free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NPT), reduced-cost prescription medication, free quit coaching, and a free personalized quit plan.

There are also several specialized programs available. The American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line has several benefits. This program is culturally sensitive and distinguishes between commercial and traditional tobacco. Free NRT is also provided.

The My Life, My Quit Youth program is for ages 12-17 who want to quit all forms of tobacco, including vaping. The program provides free coaching through text, chat or phone; confidential enrollment and coaching; coaches specially trained to work with teens and youth; and on-line enrollment and coaching (mylifemyquit.com). Text ‘Start My Quit’ to 1-855-891-9989 or call.

The Quit Now Montana Pregnancy program provides a free personal female quit coach, cash incentives and free NRT if approved by a doctor.

More information is available on the DPHHS website at dphhs.mt.gov.

https://dphhs.mt.gov/aboutus/news/2019/vapingassociateddeath

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At this time, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has three confirmed cases in Montana. 

https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/mtupp/vapingpulmonarydisease