CDC SAYS TO STOP USING E-CIGARETTES DURING INVESTIGATION INTO SEVERE LUNG ILLNESS
- New numbers released Friday show the number of cases of severe lung illness linked to e-cigarettes, or vaping, has more than doubled.
- There are now 450 potential cases in 33 states. A third death has also been reported in a patient from Indiana.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and local public health agencies have been investigating this multi-state lung illness since the beginning of August.
- The investigation is trying to determine what is causing the severe illness, and includes an examination of products associated with vaping devices, such as liquids, refill pods, and cartridges.
- State health officials in Colorado have confirmed two cases of sudden and severe lung illness tied to vaping. Both cases are adults from front range communities.
- The best way to protect yourself against vaping-related illness is to stop vaping.
- Those who do vape, or have used the products in the past, should be aware that this illness is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms:
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- Cough
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Possible fever
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- E-cigarette products should never be used by young adults or women who are pregnant.
- While not recommended, people who use e-cigarette or vaping products, should not buy them off the street. These products should never be modified, this includes the addition of any substances that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) works to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use in our community through public education campaigns to educate youth about the dangers of vaping and encouraging parents, teachers and other trusted adults to talk with youth about vaping.
Parents should talk to their kids, especially teens, about the risks and dangers of vaping.
Resources for parents to start the conversation with their kids about vaping