LUNG ILLNESS ASSOCIATED WITH E-CIGARETTE USE

 

OVERVIEW

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local health departments, including the Vermont Department of Health, are investigating a multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary illness associated with e-cigarette use. The investigation is ongoing and a cause has not been identified, but all reported cases have a history of using e-cigarette products. Many patients report using e-cigarette products with liquids that contain cannabinoid products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Get the most recent case counts and information from CDC.(link is external)

Until we know more about the cause of these illnesses, do not vape, dab or use e-cigarette products.

What are e-cigarettes?
What are the symptoms reported by some patients in this outbreak?

VERMONT CASES

This information is updated on Thursday each week.

REPORTS CASES
Number investigated 14
     Confirmed 3
     Probable 0
     Pending classification 3
     Not a case 8
 

INFORMATION FOR VERMONTERS

  • Until we know more about the cause of these illnesses, do not vape, dab or use e-cigarette products.
  • If you do use e-cigarette products and you experience symptoms(link is external) like those reported in this outbreak, seek medical care right away.
  • The CDC and FDA encourage the public to submit detailed reports of any unexpected health or product issues related to tobacco or e-cigarette products to the FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal(link is external).

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INFORMATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

Report possible cases to the Health Department. Report cases of significant respiratory illness of unclear etiology and a history of inhalational drug use (including vaping or smoking of any plant or chemical) in the 90 days prior to symptom onset to the Health Department at 802-863-7240 (available 24/7).

Ask all patients if they vape or use e-cigarettes. Encourage patients to stop using these products. If e-cigarette product use is suspected as a possible cause for a patient’s lung disease, get a detailed history of the substances used, the sources, and the devices used as outlined in the CDC Health Advisory(link is external). 

For management of patients suspected of having illness related to recreational, illicit, or other drugs, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Offer patients counseling and medication treatment. You can download the fax referral form(link is external) or send one electronically during the apointment(link is external). Get more information on how to refer patients at 802Quits(link is external).

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