NEWS October 10, 2019

Outbreak of lung disease associated with e-cigarette or vaping

Summary

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments, along with other clinical and public health partners are actively investigating an outbreak of lung disease associated with e-cigarette or vaping.

As of the beginning of October, there have been a total of 1,299 cases of lung injury attributed to vaping. This is a widespread outbreak that includes 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands. There have been 26 confirmed deaths in 21 states (one in Virginia). The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, state and local health departments, along with other clinical and public health partners are actively investigating the outbreak.

Eighty percent of patients diagnosed are under the age of 35. Pediatric patients make up almost 40% of the cases, 21% between 18 and 20 years old and 15% under 18 years old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among high school and middle school students. Electronic cigarettes, many of which contain nicotine, can be a gateway for youth to use cigarettes and other tobacco products. The tobacco Industry uses flavors to entice children, even though they know e-cigarettes contain other harmful chemicals such anti-freeze, carcinogens, and heavy metals.

Pediatric clinicians should continue to warn patients and their families about the dangers of vaping. When we discuss tobacco use, include questions about vaping and e-cigarettes. For patients with severe or lingering respiratory illnesses, consider the possibility that this might be lung injury associated with e-cigarette use. Look to the CDC and your local health department to find the recommended reporting and treatment guidelines for suspected cases. This is a rapidly changing outbreak. For up to date information, check the websites of your state or local health department and the CDC. PHN will use the newsletter and the website to advise you of new developments and guidelines as they occur. Here are links to sites that provide information for providers and patient families. We are in the process of developing a one page handout on this topic that you can co-brand and use on your website or give to patients.

Handouts about E-cigarettes for Providers from the CDC and AAP