niman Posted September 26, 2019 Report Posted September 26, 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. https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation
niman Posted September 26, 2019 Author Report Posted September 26, 2019 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.
niman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Report Posted October 2, 2019 New Updates – Monday, September 30, 2019 As of Monday, September 30, 2019, 71 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional 10 potential cases being investigated. Given the evidence outlined below, vaping unregulated THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape unregulated THC cartridges until we learn more.
niman Posted October 2, 2019 Author Report Posted October 2, 2019 Vaping-related Lung Injury, Utah, 2019: Investigation to Date Updated September 30, 2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Introduction As of Monday, September 30, 2019, 71 cases of vaping-related lung injury have been reported to Utah Department of Health (UDOH), with an additional 10 potential cases under review (see Table 1). Given the evidence outlined below, vaping THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape THC cartridges until we learn more. Table 1. Cases by Case Status and Interview Status, Utah Local Health Departments, Utah, 2019 Local Health District # of Cases # of Cases Under Review Salt Lake 39 3 Utah 11 1 Davis 9 0 Weber-Morgan 5 3 Other LHDs 7 3 Total 71 10 Demographics Men account for 82% of the Utah cases while women account for 18%, which is similar to case demographics seen in other states. Most cases are in their 20s or 30s. The median age in Utah of 26 (range: 14–66) is three years older than the current national median age of 23.
niman Posted October 9, 2019 Author Report Posted October 9, 2019 New Updates – Monday, October 7, 2019 As of Monday, October 7, 2019, 76 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional 14 potential cases being investigated. Given the evidence, vaping unregulated THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape unregulated THC cartridges until we learn more. https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation
niman Posted October 9, 2019 Author Report Posted October 9, 2019 Utah Dept. of Health @UtahDepOfHealth · 4m Sadly, today we are reporting Utah’s first #Vaping related death. Our hearts ache for this person’s family, and we will continue to pursue answers about what is causing these illnesses so that other families won’t suffer a similar experience. More here: https://bit.ly/2VtsoNp 1
niman Posted October 9, 2019 Author Report Posted October 9, 2019 Utah Resident Dies from Vaping-related Lung Injury OCTOBER 9, 2019 FEATURED-NEWS (Salt Lake City, UT) – The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) today confirmed a Salt Lake County resident has died from a vaping-related lung injury. The individual was under the age of 30 and died at home without being hospitalized prior to their death. The UDOH Office of the Medical Examiner made the final determination as to the cause of death. Public health officials investigating the death have determined the individual vaped THC prior to their death. In order to protect the identity of the deceased resident, no further information will be released. “This death is a sad reminder of the severity of these unexplained illnesses,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, UDOH state epidemiologist. “Based on what we know about this outbreak and what may be contributing to it, our best advice to the public is to stop vaping products that contain THC.” As of this week, the UDOH has reported 76 cases of vaping-related lung injuries, with another 14 potential cases currently under investigation. More than 90 percent of these cases were hospitalized, and many of them required treatment in intensive care units. Ninety-four percent of Utah cases self-reported vaping THC products. For more information on the vaping-related lung injury outbreak visit https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation. # # # Media Contact: Tom Hudachko (o) 801.538.6232 (m) 801.560.4649
niman Posted October 9, 2019 Author Report Posted October 9, 2019 First Utah Death Reported From Vaping-Related Lung Injury By LESLIE THATCHER • 1 MINUTE AGO ShareTweetEmail The Utah Department of Health (UDOH) today confirmed a Salt Lake County resident has died from a vaping-related lung injury. The individual was under the age of 30 and died at home without being hospitalized prior to their death. The UDOH Office of the Medical Examiner made the final determination as to the cause of death. Public health officials investigating the death have determined the individual vaped THC prior to their death. In order to protect the identity of the deceased resident, no further information will be released. “This death is a sad reminder of the severity of these unexplained illnesses,” said Dr. Angela Dunn, UDOH state epidemiologist. “Based on what we know about this outbreak and what may be contributing to it, our best advice to the public is to stop vaping products that contain THC.” As of this week, the UDOH has reported 76 cases of vaping-related lung injuries, with another 14 potential cases currently under investigation. More than 90 percent of these cases were hospitalized, and many of them required treatment in intensive care units. Ninety-four percent of Utah cases self-reported vaping THC products. For more information on the vaping-related lung injury outbreak visit https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation. https://www.kpcw.org/post/first-utah-death-reported-vaping-related-lung-injury#stream/0
niman Posted October 15, 2019 Author Report Posted October 15, 2019 (edited) Lung Injury Outbreak Data As of Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 83 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional 11 potential cases being investigated. The state has also reported one death associated with the outbreak. Given the evidence, vaping THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape THC cartridges until we learn more. Most Utah cases are in their 20s or 30s. The median age in Utah is 26, which is three years older than the current national median age of 23. Men account for 83% of the Utah cases while women account for 17%, which is similar to case demographics seen in other states. Among Utah cases, 90% were hospitalized. More than half of cases were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and many were diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The majority of cases required breathing assistance during their illness, most through a CPAP or BiPAP mask but some through intubation for ventilator support. The majority of cases in Utah have symptom onset dates beginning in late July. Ninety-two percent of cases self-reported vaping THC cartridges and 66% self-reported vaping nicotine. Sixty percent of cases also self-report vaping both substances (60%). Substance # of Cases Percentage Any THC cartridges 49 of 53 92% Any nicotine 35 of 53 66% Both THC & nicotine 32 of 53 60% THC only 17 of 53 32% Nicotine only 3 of 53 6% Most THC products were acquired through friends, online, and in-person dealers. A small percentage of THC products were acquired at out-of-state dispensaries or purchased at vape shops in Utah. Nicotine products were acquired mostly at vape shops in Utah. The UDOH Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) has been working with state and national laboratories to test products used by case patients. Thirty-nine samples were tested at the UPHL for several chemical compounds including illicit drugs (e.g., opioids, fentanyl, and methamphetamines), cutting agents, and biologic toxins. Of the 39 products tested by the UPHL, 19 were THC cartridges and 20 were nicotine e- juices. Almost all THC cartridges tested contained vitamin E acetate, a known cutting agent. In contrast, no nicotine products tested showed any unexpected compounds. Samples Tested Containing THC Containing Nicotine Containing Vitamin E THC Samples 19 100% 5% 89% Nicotine Samples 20 0% 100% 0% https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation/lung-injury-outbreak-data Edited October 18, 2019 by niman
niman Posted October 22, 2019 Author Report Posted October 22, 2019 As of Monday, October 21, 2019, 98 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional 15 potential cases being investigated. The state has also reported one death associated with the outbreak. Given the evidence, vaping THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape THC cartridges until we learn more. https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation/lung-injury-outbreak-data
niman Posted October 22, 2019 Author Report Posted October 22, 2019 Most Utah cases are in their 20s or 30s. The median age in Utah is 26, which is three years older than the current national median age of 23. Men account for 82% of the Utah cases while women account for 18%, which is similar to case demographics seen in other states. The majority of cases in Utah have symptom onset dates beginning in late July. Ninety-two percent of cases self-reported vaping THC cartridges and 66% self-reported vaping nicotine. Sixty percent of cases also self-report vaping both substances (60%). Substance # of Cases Percentage Any THC cartridges 49 of 53 92% Any nicotine 35 of 53 66% Both THC & nicotine 32 of 53 60% THC only 17 of 53 32% Nicotine only 3 of 53 6% *Data in the above table are current as of Oct. 15, 2019 Most THC products were acquired through friends, online, and in-person dealers. A small percentage of THC products were acquired at out-of-state dispensaries or purchased at vape shops in Utah. Nicotine products were acquired mostly at vape shops in Utah. *Data in the above chart are current as of Oct. 15, 2019 The UDOH Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) has been working with state and national laboratories to test products used by case patients. Thirty-nine samples were tested at the UPHL for several chemical compounds including illicit drugs (e.g., opioids, fentanyl, and methamphetamines), cutting agents, and biologic toxins. Of the 39 products tested by the UPHL, 19 were THC cartridges and 20 were nicotine e- juices. Almost all THC cartridges tested contained vitamin E acetate, a known cutting agent. In contrast, no nicotine products tested showed any unexpected compounds. Samples Tested Containing THC Containing Nicotine Containing Vitamin E THC Samples 19 100% 5% 89% Nicotine Samples 20 0% 100% 0% *Data in the above table are current as of Oct. 15, 2019
niman Posted October 28, 2019 Author Report Posted October 28, 2019 As of Monday, October 28, 2019, 109 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional seven potential cases being investigated. The state has also reported one death associated with the outbreak. Seventy-six percent of cases have required hospitalization. Given the evidence, vaping THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape THC cartridges until we learn more. Most Utah cases are in their 20s or 30s. The median age in Utah is 26, which is three years older than the current national median age of 23. https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation/lung-injury-outbreak-data
niman Posted November 14, 2019 Author Report Posted November 14, 2019 Lung Injury Outbreak Data As of Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 114 cases of vaping-related lung disease have been reported in Utah, with an additional 13 potential cases being investigated. The state has also reported one death associated with the outbreak. Seventy-six percent of cases have required hospitalization. Case counts are updated every two weeks on Mondays. The next update will be posted Monday, November 25. Given the evidence, vaping THC cartridges or “carts” is likely the driver of this outbreak of severe lung injury. The UDOH recommends people do not vape THC cartridges until we learn more. Most Utah cases are in their 20s or 30s. The median age in Utah is 26, which is three years older than the current national median age of 23. As of Oct. 28, 2019 Men account for 78% of the Utah cases while women account for 21% (the gender of some cases is unknown), which is similar to case demographics seen in other states. As of Oct. 28, 2019 The majority of cases in Utah have symptom onset dates beginning in late July. As of Oct. 28, 2019 Eighty-nine percent of cases self-reported vaping THC cartridges and 60% self-reported vaping nicotine. Many cases also report vaping both products. Substance # of Cases Percentage THC Cartridges 92 of 103 89% Nicotine Catridges 62 of 103 60% Both THC & nicotine 51 of 109 47% Most THC products were acquired through friends, online, and in-person dealers. A small percentage of THC products were acquired at out-of-state dispensaries or purchased at vape shops in Utah. Nicotine products were acquired mostly at vape shops in Utah. *Data in the above chart are current as of Oct. 15, 2019 The UDOH Utah Public Health Laboratory (UPHL) has been working with state and national laboratories to test products used by case patients. Thirty-nine samples were tested at the UPHL for several chemical compounds including illicit drugs (e.g., opioids, fentanyl, and methamphetamines), cutting agents, and biologic toxins. Of the 39 products tested by the UPHL, 19 were THC cartridges and 20 were nicotine e- juices. Almost all THC cartridges tested contained vitamin E acetate, a known cutting agent. In contrast, no nicotine products tested showed any unexpected compounds. Samples Tested Containing THC Containing Nicotine Containing Vitamin E THC Samples 19 100% 5% 89% Nicotine Samples 20 0% 100% 0% *Data in the above table are current as of Oct. 15, 2019 https://health.utah.gov/lung-disease-investigation/lung-injury-outbreak-data
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