The Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) has received notification from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) of one probable case of severe pulmonary illness linked to vaping in a male in Lake County, Ohio. LCGHD is working with ODH on the investigation and follow-up of the case.
ODH reports that as of November 26, 2019, there are 68 confirmed cases in Ohio of individuals who exercised severe pulmonary illness following vaping. An additional 28 illness reports are under investigation. Currently, no deaths have been reported in Ohio. The majority of Ohio’s confirmed cases have reported using illicit THC products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that symptoms of illness associated with vaping include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. Symptoms usually develop over a period of days, but may occur over several weeks.
According to the Center on Addiction, vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, referred to as vapor, which is produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device. LCGHD Director of Nursing Tara Perkins commented, “Per ODH, vaping is not safe. E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as an aid to quit smoking, and available science does not currently confirm that e-cigarettes are effective for quitting smoking.” In addition to nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe in can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including:
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead
- Volatile organic compounds, which can adversely impact health
- Ultrafine particles that can reach deep into the lungs
- Chemical flavorings that are linked to serious lung disease
LCGHD offers one-on-one smoking cessation counseling services with Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists. Participants meet with a counselor for an initial appointment lasting approximately 45 minutes to assess individual needs, develop a personalized plan, connect with appropriate resources, and coordinate Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with the individual’s insurance company. Contact Shaelin Hurley at (440) 350-2464 for more information.
In addition, you may contact your healthcare provider, or call the Ohio Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUITNOW for free help and NRT. If you area under 18 and need help to quit vaping or using tobacco, you can use the free My Life My Quit program by calling 1-855-891-9989, or visit mylifemyquit.com to enroll.
