The Delaware Division of Public Health has issued a health advisory after recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaping causing illnesses that include lung problems.
The CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working with Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate 30 cases of severe pulmonary disease related to e-cigarettes.
The reason for the cases has not been pinpointed. One possible cause could be counterfeit vaping oil sold outside regulated stores.
Several other states including Illinois, California, New York, Indiana, and Utah have reported similar cases.
Patients in Wisconsin presented respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Other symptoms included fever, chest pain, weight loss, nausea, and diarrhea.
Medical professionals are asked to report cases of significant respiratory illness with no clear cause and a history of vaping to the Delaware Division of Public Health, Bureau of Epidemiology (24/7) at 1-888-295-5156.
The sales of vaping products are limited to people over 21. However, teens and young adults have embraced the use of the method of tobacco consumption, leading to fears that a generation could be addicted.
Vaping gear can be disguised as computer thumb drives and other commonly used items.
