Kings County health officials announce that an individual has died from complications related to e-cigarettes

(Join the discussion on Disqus at the end of story)

“With sadness, we report that there has been a death of a Kings County resident suspected to be related to severe pulmonary injury associated with vaping,” said Dr. Milton Teske, Kings County Public Health Officer. “The Kings County Department of Public Health would like to warn all residents that the use of e-cigarettes poses a risk to the health of the lungs and can potentially cause severe lung injury that may even lead to death,” he said.

“Long-term effects of vaping on heath are unknown. But the number of patients treated here are still not back to normal many weeks after hospital discharge. Weakness and shortness of breath are continuing in spite of ongoing use of steroids.”

Teske went on to say that continued vaping could result in permanent damage to the lungs.  Anyone considering vaping should be aware of the potential severe risk associated with vaping, he added.

There have been twelve reports of pulmonary illness associated with vaping in Kings County, and an increasing number of similar illnesses related to vaping being reported nationwide. Symptoms of vape-associated pulmonary (respiratory) injury (VAPI) can include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, nausea, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Anyone who has previously used e-cigarettes and is experiencing worsening respiratory symptoms should seek prompt evaluation. Any providers caring for individuals with a severe pulmonary illness that is suspected to be related to vaping should report cases to the Kings County Department of Public Health at (559) 584-1401.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that individuals use to inhale an aerosol, which can contain nicotine (though not always), flavorings, and other chemicals. They often use a tank or cartridge to hold the liquid and can resemble traditional tobacco cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, or may look very different, such as those that resemble USB memory sticks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), quitting smoking and vaping improves your health and reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses. To receive assistance with living a smoke-free life, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). In Spanish, call 1-800-DEJELO-YA, and in Vietnamese, call 1-800-778-8440.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html.

The Food and Drug Administration had alerted the public to hundreds of reports of severe lung illnesses associated with vaping, including several deaths. They are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the cause of these illnesses. Many of the suspect products tested by the states or federal health officials have been identified as vaping products containing THC, the main psychotropic ingredient in marijuana.

Some of the patients reported a mixture of THC and nicotine, and some reported vaping nicotine alone. No one substance has been identified in all of the samples tested, and it is unclear if the illnesses are related to one single compound. Until more details are known, FDA officials have warned people not to use any vaping products bought on the street, and they warn against modifying any products purchased in stores. They are also asking people and health professionals to report any adverse effects. The CDC has posted an information page for consumers.

What we know from the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention

• As of October 1, 2019, 1,080* lung injury cases associated with using an e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory.
• Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states.
• All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
• Approximately 70% of patients are male.
• Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
• 16% of patients are under 18 years old
• 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old